The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

We're almost there. Just a few more days until Christmas! Days of eating food we'll spend the next few weeks trying to work off, receiving presents we didn't want to buy ourselves, buying gifts for others we'll spend all year paying off, and spending time with family we don't see often. But, it's the most wonderful time of the year, right? (Disclaimer: I absolutely LOVE Christmas and promise this is not a cynical post. I really do have a point).

Despite overeating & overspending, most of us look forward to this season more than any other time of the year. And let's face it, some of us look forward to the overeating & overspending as well! There's so much anticipation and joy surrounding Christmas. The decorations, putting up the tree, the beautiful music, cooking & baking, finding that perfect gift for someone close to us, being surrounded by family & friends, and most of all, celebrating a man named Jesus that chose to come in infant form to rescue us from ourselves. It's the most amazing gift we could & will ever receive on this earth. And even if all the other wonderful things surrounding this season did not exist, that's reason enough to celebrate.

But, in the midst of the excitement & joy, I realize it's not so joyful for everyone. In reality, it's the most difficult time of year for some. Over the last few weeks, I've had a friend that lost a baby, another friend in the hospital, co-workers who have lost loved ones, & several who have lost jobs. All very difficult circumstances, but amidst the Christmas season, even more so. I had a heavy heart as I was praying about this recently. These are people I care about. Why are they being asked to walk through these trials? And, why now? Not the best timing, I would say. But, even more sobering, why not me? The answers to these questions are outside of my understanding, and the last thing I want is to sound like Scrooge (remember, I love Christmas & everything that goes along with it!). But I do want to help us look beyond ourselves to see the needs of others. There are people in your life, and mine, who need a little extra encouragement right now. Maybe they need monetary help. Maybe they need someone to hold them while they cry. Or, they might need Jesus.

I'm guilty of focusing too much on the gifts I need to buy, the cookies I need to bake, or the cards I need to send, that I forget Christmas is really about Christ. And part of that is being Christ to others in tangible ways. Love came in the form of a perfect child named Jesus so not only could we know a love unlike any other, but so we could also give it away. It is the most wonderful time of year simply for that reason.

I challenge each of us to look for ways to bless others this Christmas season. I promise, they're everywhere if we'll just take the time to notice.

Tis the Season!

It's Christmastime again, and I love it! I especially love finding the perfect gift for the people in my life. Makes me happy! And, if you're watching your pennies (like I am!), then you'll appreciate budget-friendly gift ideas. Here's a fantastic blog with 25 ideas for great, handmade gifts UNDER $5!! (There's even some great jewelry!)

Who doesn't love something that has had extra thought put into it?

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2011/11/25-handmade-gifts-under-5.html

Happy gift-giving!!

Sometimes, it's the small things...

I have major hair frustrations. No matter how hard I try, I can never seem to get it to look the way I want. But, I may have just found the answer to this seemingly small problem.

Thanks to Pinterest, I stumbled upon this blog that I LOVE...

http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/

This girl has the BEST site I've found for the "how-to's" of great, trendy hairstyles for people like me who are apparently lacking skills in this area. Now, if only it doesn't take me hours to perfect AND I can get it to look like this...

What's Love Got To Do With It?

Disunity. Dissension. Division. Pride, jealously, hate. All are words with negative connotations, and sadly, all can be used to describe the Church today. You know, the group of people who call themselves Christ-followers and are supposed to be examples of unity and love to a world who desperately needs to see that lived out. Then, why aren't we? Why is it so difficult to love one another the way Jesus commanded us to? And, why does it seem we resemble the world more often than we do Christ?

I'm only asking these questions because this struggle is personal. This issue of "loving my neighbor" and being an example to those who I think aren't watching. Because they are. Sometimes, when I wish they weren't. I don't always live up to the standards by which God has called me to in this area. I blow it every day. In fact, in my own way, I've contributed to disunity in the Church. Dissension too. Division...yeah, that as well. More times than not, my own pride and selfishness keep me from fully loving people. You might be saying, "don't be so hard on yourself...we've all messed up...we're only human." And, you're right. God has far more grace allotted for me than I have for myself. But, His grace isn't a free pass. Instead, it should prompt me to strive to love others even more.

One of my very first prayers when I became a Christian was for authenticity. In my early years as a believer, I struggled with thinking I had to look, talk, act, & believe the same way my fellow Christian did. The one I thought had it all together. But, that's not truly being authentic. Nor is it glorifying to Him. We were made in His image, right? Not in one another's image. God has gifted each of us differently. He's given us different personalities, likes & dislikes, and yes, even convictions. And this is where our main issue with loving one another comes in. We think that if Joe Christian doesn't believe the same way we do, worship in the "right" way, or go to our denomination, then well, maybe he isn't as good as we are. Or as godly. But, do we really have the authority to determine that? No. Do we need to focus more on loving people in the place they're at? Yes.

I want to be the woman that God has made me to be. And, nothing less. Be the person God has made you to be. Be authentic. Follow the principles in the Word. Love the Lord. Love people. It won't be easy. God didn't promise it would be. But, it is attainable with His help. Love has everything to do with living the abundant life God has promised us. So, don't you think it's worth the fight?

A Few Fall Favorites

It's September and according to me, officially Fall! I absolutely love this time of year. Seriously. Love. I mean, who wouldn't? The trees turning magnificent shades of color, the smell of firewood, cooler temps, specialty Starbucks drinks (my favs are the caramel apple cider & the pumpkin spice latte!) adorable fall decor, and amazing fashion! I could get used to that forever. In fact, I'm convinced that heaven will be a perpetual season of Fall...maybe for me at least.

The fashion choices are defintely my favorite out of all other seasons. I look forward to taking my sweaters out of storage and pulling on my boots...which are too many to count. Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right? ;) There's just so many fun outfits, accessories, & layering you can put together! Here are just a few fashion favs (and some on my wish list)...

Love everything about this outfit! It's super easy & casual chic. The best part is, I already have everything to put this outfit together.













Anthropologie goodness. MUST have.


And, every girl's gotta have her boots. Here's a Steve Madden pair called "Ranchh" I've been eyeing lately...


I might be slightly obsessed with long cardis right now. They're so versatile! Love this one from the GAP.




And, what's a great outfit without great accessories? I really like the style of this J. Crew purse.



I'm also a jewelry fanatic. It can really pull an outfit together. I buy most of mine from Forever 21, simply because they have the best jewelry ever. Period. But, I would really like to get a few pieces from a local designer here in Nashville. Check out her blog! She's incredible. http://heavymetalbylw.blogspot.com/.

Here's one I gotta have at some point.



UH-mazing, no?

So, there you have it. These are just a few things that inspire me and get me super excited about Fall fashion!! Stay tuned for my next post which will feature outifts of my own to hopefully give you some ideas of your own! Happy Fall y'all!

Wrinkle Cream, Spanx, & Botox

Those three words can only mean one thing for a woman. Getting old. Or in my case, entering another decade of my life. That's right, I'm turning 30 in two days...THIRTY! In two days. Oh wow. I remember thinking that was ridiculously old when I was a teenager. ( I know what some of you who are um, older, are thinking right now...) Still, it's a milestone birthday and one that up until now, I've had a little apprehension about. But alas, it IS approaching quickly and like it or not, it's happening.

So, how does one really prepare to say goodbye to her 20s and hello to her 30s? I hope it's not with the three (scary) words that make up the title of this blog. Because if so, I want to stay 29, please. All kidding aside (mostly), I AM looking forward to this new decade of my life. There's something about the thought of being in my thirties that already makes me feel a little wiser and a little more confident. Notice: I said a little. My 20s were, in many ways, a roller coaster ride of emotions. Many, MANY changes took place...some great, some not so much. Needless to say, I'm hoping & praying that there will be welcomed changes and more personal growth with the beginning of this new chapter.

So what, you may ask, HAVE I learned as I leave 29 behind and embrace 30? Well, I'm glad you asked...

Not to take myself so seriously. The more I laugh at myself, (and sometimes circumstances) the more I enjoy life!

How to be more comfortable in my own skin & with my appearance. (Disclaimer: I will continue going to the gym, however, to put off wearing Spanx as long as I can!)

That, in order to avoid the other scary words (aka: wrinkle cream & botox), I need to wear sunscreen!! Or, get spray tans.

That you don't have to figure out what your dream career is by the time you are 30. Sometimes it takes a little longer than that (and a little more perseverance).

To be grateful for every blessing, now matter how big or small it might be. There's always someone in greater need.

Giving is really the avenue to receiving God's favor.

Pour into those who are younger. They need it more than you, or they, think.

That sometimes (OK, EVERY time) waiting is God's way of protecting us & preparing us for His best.

I'm sure there's more, but those are what stick out in my mind. And, by the time the next decade rolls around (yikes!), I'm sure my list will be twice as long.

So, good-bye 20s! You've been good, but I'm moving on to great.

Beautiful by Mercy Me

This is such an encouraging song for anyone who struggles with feeling beautiful...on the inside or outside! Be blessed.

Childhood Dreams

Do you remember when you were little and you dreamt of one day becoming a ballerina or, if you're a guy, maybe a cowboy? Playing make-believe in your living room, dressing up, and actually believing that you were whatever you decided to be that day. I think most five year olds' dreams are limitless. They know that nothing is out of reach. Then, twenty years later, life happens. You grow up. And you realize that maybe it isn't as easy as it was when you were five. Maybe, somewhere along the way, those dreams got so tangled up in reality that you don't even know what your dream is anymore. And you just wish you could go back to being five.

Sound familiar? It is for me.

I think growing up I had a lot of "dreams" that I wanted to see fulfilled, but never really knew that one thing that I was called to do as far as a career goes. I'm the girl that has many passions but doesn't know how those translate into the real world. I like writing and fashion and being creative and photography; and I have a heart for the homeless and for marriage ministry and women's ministry and...the list could go on. I get so overwhelmed at all the directions I want or could go that I end up standing still. In fact, I'm in a season right now where I'm doing just that. Not moving. Stuck in a place I never thought I'd be. Partly because I chose it based on decisions I made in the past. And partly, because the Lord is teaching me lessons through it. Pretty valuable lessons at that. But, I know that, at some point, I have to get up and move again. I was put here for very specific purposes, some of which have yet to be fulfilled. And I know as long as I'm breathing, God isn't through using me.

I only know a handful of people who are truly living out their "dream." And, I envy them. I need to learn from them. They are the ones who get up every day with purpose and intention in their hearts. I would venture to say though, that sadly, the majority of people fall into the other category. The ones still searching for their childhood dreams. Who desire to do something that has purpose and passion behind it, but don't know how to step out.

Lord, show us how to have child-like faith and give us grown-up courage to step out and fulfill the dreams You've put in our hearts. As if we were five again.

Better than the Last

This is a big year for me. I'm turning...30. Yikes. It should be scary, but it's more surreal than anything. I was only 20 yesterday, right? Where has the last decade gone? Seriously. The other night, I was watching a Friends episode (big surprise, huh?) where Rachel was turning 30 & not handling it with a lot of grace. The group tried to console her by recalling their own bad experiences from when they turned 30. While funny, it only made her less ready to leave her twenties. All she could focus on was the fact that she hadn't accomplished anything she wanted to. She hadn't gotten married, had kids, achieved all of her career goals...sound familiar? Are there things in your life that you haven't seen come to pass? Maybe things that you thought would have happened by now. I know that's definitely true for me.

Recently, it seemed that a couple of major things that I've been waiting on were actually beginning to come to fruition. It was exciting...until I realized that they were in fact, not. I think what was more disappointing than those "particular" circumstances not working out, was the fact that I thought they were going to. Ever been there? Maybe you didn't get a job you were hoping for, a big promotion at work, or perhaps, something even bigger. I'm very familiar with being in that place. Now, I have to choose to either keep moving forward and believe that God has even better plans in store for my life or give up on my dreams because of discouragement. The logical and right choice is the first. But it seems that, at times, the easier choice is the latter. Why? Because it's always easier to choose defeat rather than victory. Victory takes work, a lot of prayer, and it most certainly doesn't choose us. Yes, Christ died to give us victory, but we have to grab hold of it. We have to choose it. We have a choice every day to believe that God desires the best for us and we're on a journey toward that. Even when it appears that the opposite is true and that our journey has taken many detours. Sometimes more than we'd like!

I don't know what this next decade will look like for me, but I want it to be better than the last. And, I know that I can determine that in part. And the rest, I have to entrust with the Lord. So, here's praying and believing that my thirties will be better, so much better, than my twenties!

The Girl in the Mirror

She stands looking in the mirror. Stares, really. Not in a "I look so beautiful" kind of way. Instead, she scrutinizes every little detail about herself. From the top of her head to the bottom of her feet, there's something she would change. She's not tall enough, not small enough, not as pretty as the next girl, not how she would choose to be. There are times when she feels invisible. And other times when she wishes she were. I've been that girl.

I recently went to see the third Chronicles of Narnia movie. I am a huge fan of the movies, not only for the stories and amazing effects, but also for the spiritual application they bring. This one was no exception. There's one scene in particular that has really stuck with me. The youngest, Lucy, comes across a book of wishes and suddenly realizes that she can have the one thing she wants more than anything: to be beautiful like her sister Susan. She rips the page out of the book & tucks it in her pocket. Later that evening, she pulls out the piece of paper & begins to recite the words on it. As she looks in the full-length mirror, she sees herself transform into a beautiful, grown-up woman, in effect becoming Susan. She then gets a glimpse of what her life would have been like as her sister. She finds out that Narnia would have never existed if that were the case. Almost immediately after her vision, Aslan (who is representative of the Lord) appears in her room. At that point, Lucy realizes that to desire to be like Susan would be wishing away her own life. Aslan reminds her that her value is priceless and that she should not compare herself to others.

That impacted me. I can really relate to Lucy. Really. This has been a battle for me for many years, and at the root of it, is comparison and self-criticism. It's so easy to look at others and wonder why I don't have this or that. Or worse, to pick apart the little things about myself I wish I could change. Why do I waste my time doing that? The verse at the top of my blog about being fearfully & wonderfully made? I believe that most of the time. And when I don't, I'm focused on the wrong things & not on the truth that God tells me in His word. That is the standard I should be judging myself by. Not the world's standards. As I've gotten older & grown in my relationship with the Lord, this has become less of a struggle. There's something about both of those things that have strengthened my confidence. But, it has definitely been a journey for me!

Maybe you have a similar struggle? I would just encourage you that when those insecurities start to come on you (and they will), give them over to the Lord. Allow HIM to show you & tell you who you are in HIM. And, He will if you surrender. We're all made in the image of God and made so uniquely. No two people were created alike because God didn't choose to design us that way. He wants us to compliment one another with the strengths and weaknesses we have. There is beauty in that.

The View from the Waiting Room

January 15, 2011
The Waiting Room Series: The View from the Waiting Room
By: Katie Snyder

I've known Katie for what seems like all my life. In reality, it's been almost twelve years. She's one of the funniest, most talented, women of God I know. We've walked through some really tough seasons of life together, and also, some pretty great ones. I love her like a sister and even though I don't get to see her as often as I used to, we always pick up where we left off. This is one of her best blog posts I've read, so I know you're going to be encouraged and blessed after reading it.

I was in an actual waiting room the other day. It was uncomfortable. Most everyone was trying to appear to be preoccupied. Texting, reading, staring at the muted TV. I was watching everyone – which meant eyes darting to and fro, bodies leaning away from me in unnatural positions – I’m sure I was a little off-putting what with my notepad dead pan stares.

Every waiting room has its stereotypes, the annoying girl on the phone, spilling the nothings about her life so loudly just to let everyone know how important she is. The woman trying to tame her child as he runs all around the room shouting, “Bang, bang, bang!” and leaving the snotty contagious disease in his wake. The frail old woman nestled in her chair, barricaded in by her walker, taking a little morning snooze, who is seated next to her loving daughter who dotes on and coddles her gently and lovingly. The middle-aged, tubby man with his glasses on the tip of his nose with the newspaper caging him in from the rest of the room. I know you all have it pictured in your mind now – you see it so clearly, don’t you?

Do you know what I saw, though? I saw the glittering ring on that annoying girl’s finger, a girl at least 8 years younger than me, and I listened to her “nothings” about the dream wedding she was planning. I saw a mom, lovingly teaching and guiding her child, a child she had probably long awaited, joyfully expected, and loved with a love that no word could ever describe. I saw a woman, who had lived a long full life, who had raised her daughter in the way that she should go and was now resting in the safety of it. I saw a man, who just moments before that newspaper went up, had kissed his wife and stroked her face and told her that everything would be okay as she went into the examining room. I saw relationship all around me and there I was, just an observer, just a quiet little fly on the wall, taking it all in.

I am thirty years old. I am confident, independent, and steady. I am wise, candid, and have integrity. I love Jesus and I love His people. I am compassionate, sensible, and joyful. I love fiercely and passionately. I am faithful and loyal and quick to forgive. I have been through a lot of hard places in life and I know what it means, to the very core of my spirit, to choose that God is good all the time, no matter what my eyes see, my mind perceives, or my heart feels. I have been pruned, and cut down, and dug up, and replanted and pruned again…countless times. And I love God all the more for all of that gardening because I will never fail to bear good fruit now.

I am single. I have no children. I am in the waiting room. It is uncomfortable here. I distract myself with many things – friendships, TV, reading, movies – to make it through the wait. I often get caught up in what I’m doing and forget just how long I’ve been here, how lonely I really am. But then, I catch a glimpse of the clock and the ticking echoes so loudly in my head it’s almost deafening. I get impatient and pace the floor, I look out of the window, I watch all of the other people come and go from the waiting room and wonder when it will be my turn. My name has been called a few times, just for questioning, for clarification, but never to go back for real. Sometimes, I want to tell the receptionist to just cancel my appointment, I’ve got other things to do than just wait around here the rest of my life. Sometimes, I’m that girl on the phone; I just want someone to listen to my life. Someone to witness my life. Someone to share my life. Someone that will make my life seem important.

A few years ago, the Lord challenged me, “Katie, if you never marry, if you are never called “Mommy,” will you still choose me? Will I be enough?” I cried and mourned for a very long time that afternoon while the Lord patiently, lovingly waited for me to reply. My reply, of course, was yes. He’s a way maker. He makes a way when there seems to be no way. If I’m called to singleness, He’ll change my heart. But for right now, I have to practice what I preach. I can’t just say, “The Lord is enough,” I have to live my life in a way that shouts, “The Lord is enough for me…He’s all I need!!!!” I believe this most days, I struggle on others – but my struggling doesn’t change that He’s still enough – He’s who He says He is, even when I’m not who I say I am.

I struggle with feeling I’m unseen. I struggle that I know a lot of Godly men, some of whom have even told me point blank, “If I were looking for a wife, you are exactly what I’d look for,” and then they have listed out all of my attributes that make me a good choice for a wife…but even they don’t SEE me as anything but a sister, a friend, a confident, a source of Godly wisdom and counsel. I am unseen, veiled, and though this makes me set apart, as I should be, sometimes, I just want to yank that veil off and scream, “Pick me, you moron, I’m right here!”

But…for now, I’m going to stay in the waiting room. It’s hot and cramped and if I’m not careful…I could pick up something that makes me sick. I grow weary and impatient a lot of the time. I have to work hard to silence the incessant ticking of that ever tocking clock. I have purposed that I’m going to observe the life all around me and rejoice for those whose names are called. But, in my heart, I just await the day when the door creaks open, a chart is yanked off the wall, and my name is called out… “Katie, he’ll see you now.”

By: Katie Snyder
Location: Citrus Heights, CA
Blog: http://www.aglimpseatthislife.wordpress.com

Love is a Choice

January 11, 2011
The Waiting Room: Love is a Choice
By: Maegan Roper

Maegan and I met at work a couple years ago and instantly hit it off. She truly is one of the sweetest, most genuine people I've ever met, and that goes a long way in my book. She has shared wisdom & insight that is invaluable and I can honestly say that she is one of the most Spirit-filled women my age that I have ever met. I hope you enjoy this bit of wisdom & encouragement as much as I did...and leave her some blog love! :)

One can only watch so many romantic comedies or chic flicks before you start believing them. I partially blame my over-indulgent in fairy tale romance day-dreaming on some of those cheesy movies, but largely in part for my misunderstanding of what God's purpose/plan for the marriage relationship really is.

When I was in college, I got involved in a destructive, unhealthy relationship... with a youth leader and seminary student, nonetheless. But, we both were out for self-satisfaction and that seemed to always win in the battles we faced between the spirit and our flesh. My college & career minister at the time asked me a question I'll never forget: "Maegan, can you glorify God more with or without this person?" Knowing the answer in my heart, I started then seeking God wholeheartedly and asking Him to transform my perspective on relationships/marriage. Then, about 3 years later... my husband came along :)

I cherish those 3 years in between beyond explanation. God revealed Himself to me in ways that forever changed me and prepared me for the day I would meet my husband, Jeremy. Knowing and experiencing that solitude is vitally important (in my opinion). Even Adam knew and experienced that solitude in the garden before Eve came along :)

In that period, God confirmed that the response of faith for me was to see singleness as a committed life and not a lonely one. The moment that became content with my heart was the moment my Father took me by surprise by bringing Jeremy into my life. We married in 2006 and since has been a journey of intense joy, love, compassion, and adventure, but also tough struggles, mistakes, and constant change. Something I learned within our first year as husband & wife that has been a valuable reminder is that love is a choice. Everyday, regardless of how I "feel" or what mood I'm in, I wake up and choose to love my husband. Yes, I always want to and do not in anyway see it as a "chore"; however, most days it's a self conscience decision to pour my heart into loving Him as Christ loves me (Matt. 19:6).

God clearly intended transparency & openness as part of His plan for the marriage relationship- vulnerability without shame (Gen. 2:25). So, this is a lesson that has helped me on the hard days when I just seem to want the Drew Barrymore "Ever After" ending :) I realized early on that the self-sacrificing "Agape" kind of love that Jesus asked from Peter is the same that He desires from me and my marriage. The kind that is an act of will and not emotions (1 Cor. 13:4-8). Agape love is unselfish, undemanding, realizes the value of the one they're loving, recognizes responsibility, continually grows, never fades & is pure (1 Cor.13:12-13).

When all aspects of this Christ-like love find expression in marriage "the house will be built, established, and filled with precious & pleasant riches." (Prov. 14:1, 24:3-4). So, whether your singleness is temporary or permanent, there is an Agape love to experience now...in the arms of Christ!

By: Maegan Roper
Location: Nashville, TN
Blog: http://maeganroper.blogspot.com/