Seeking and Finding God’s Promises for the New Year!

December 26, 2013

Hello there Friends,

I hope you had a beautiful Christmas day yesterday! I was celebrating with my hubby, Mom, brother, sis – in – law and their precious foster kids. We had an absolute blast!

Today I am…tear…more tears…on a plane heading back to Texas.

But the good news is I am about to share my favorite New Years Tradition….are you ready…Oh I am so excited to share with y’all because I know how powerful and encouraging it can be!!!

I call this tradition: Promises from God for the New Year.

While everyone else is vowing to give up caffeine, facebook and a plethora of distractions, I prefer to ask the Lord what His promises are for the next year!

I have been doing this for about 5 years now.

What I do is take some time during the last week of December to pray and ask the Lord one simple question:

God, what are your promises for the next year?

Then I write down whatever I sense He is saying. Often I hear:

– Promises for me.

– Promises for my marriage.

– Promises for others – friends and family members.

– Scripture verse or verses.

I keep this list of promises somewhere safe (for me that is my journal). Sometimes throughout the year I will go back to that page in my journal when I want a reminder of the things the Lord promises.

I try to keep this list in mind, as I pray for people and situations throughout the year.

Now this is the BEST PART: During the last week of December I pull out my old journal and find the page entitled: Promises for the Year. I then read the promises, some I have remembered and some I have forgotten about and I see all the incredible things that God has done throughout the year that matches up with His promises to me. It is an absolute blast and so faith building to see that God is speaking to my heart and also to reflect and thank Him for the promises He has fulfilled in the past year!

Will you join me this year in Asking God what Promises He has for you this year?

A few thoughts for this activity:

1. Believe that You can hear from God! If you have acknowledged your need for a Savior and asked Jesus to be your Savior from your sin, and have complete rule and authority in your life – then you have been adopted into the family of God! Wooohoo!

Romans 6:23 ^“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life inChrist Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:15 “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba,Father.”

This means that you can hear from God because He is your Father, not just any Father the best Father. Doesn’t a Good Father LOVE to TALK to HIS CHILD? Yes! That is who we have, a Good Father and He loves to speak to you.

In John 10: 27-28, Jesus refers to Himself as being a Good Shepherd and we (followers of Jesus) are like His sheep:

^”My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

Not sure if you are in the family of God? Today is a great day to become a part, click here to learn more.

2. Learning to hear and recognize the voice of God takes time and practice. I didn’t recognize my husband’s voice until we had talked on the phone several times, but now I immediately recognize his voice even in the midst of a crowded room. We may not immediately recognize God’s voice if we are out of “practice” or haven’t “practiced.” That’s Ok, this is a great day to start. And the good news is, God wants to talk to you! How exciting!

One thing that has helped me grow in being able to recognize God’s voice is spending intentional time with Him everyday. If you would like more practical tips please check out the series: Why I Spend Time with Jesus Everyday

3. God will speak to us through his Word, the Bible and also to our hearts. Some people see pictures in their minds of an impression God is giving them. Others will have a strong sense of peace in their hearts. Some people may hear words or phrases in their mind.

When we think we hear God speaking to us we always want to ask:

– Does this line up with the character of God or Who God is? We can know who God is by reading His Word!

– Does this line up with the Word of God?

For example if you sat down to do this spiritual exercise and thought you heard God say, “you will be alone.” You could know that wasn’t the voice of God because God’s Word promises us: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5). But if you heard, “even if you feel lonely this next year I will be with you.” Write that down! Because that lines up with God’s character (He is always with us) and it lines up with His Word!

– If you’re not sure, that’s ok too. Write it down anyways, and then spend some time looking it up in the Bible and talking to a trusted pastor or friend.

4. There may be some fun promises and some challenging promises.

– For 2013, I felt like the Lord promised my dear friend Katy would get married (she was not engaged at the time) and I would be a part of her wedding! This was such an exciting promise. It was a joy to be a bridesmaid in her wedding this year and see the answer to many prayers through her new marriage.

With sweet Katy on her wedding day! Isn’t she a radiant bride?

– However for 2013 the Lord also gave me the verse:

Isaiah 43:2

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

When the Lord highlighted that scripture as a promise for 2013, I literally thought “uh oh! I think God is preparing me for a challenging year.” It wasn’t necessarily a promise I wanted to hear, but it was a promise I desperately needed and that I continually went back to over and over again as we walked through the pain of two miscarriages. I am so thankful God gave me that verse as a promise (even if I didn’t want it…ha..ha) because as the trials of this year came my heart could rise in confidence remembering His Word to me – that no matter the struggle or pain He had promised I would not be overtaken! He had promised I would not be burned!

So are you ready? Grab a cup of ~~water since you gave up caffeine for the year,~~ coffee, your Bible, your journal or a piece of Paper. Quiet your heart and ask the Lord to help you. You may want to take a moment and pray something like this.

Lord, thank you that I am your child and that you are my good Father. I want you to speak to me. I want to learn to hear your voice. Please help me. Thank you that your Word says that like a sheep hears the voice of its shepherd, that I can hear your voice. Thank you for the blood of Jesus that cleanses me from all my sins. I plead the blood of Jesus over my mind, heart and body right now and also over this space I am sitting in. I declare that you have full rule and reign over my body and mind and over this place I am occupying because I have submitted my life to you. I command any scheme of the enemy to confuse, deceive or distract me in this time to leave and say that only the Word of God will be heard in this time. Jesus give me a fresh gift of faith to believe that you will speak to me in this time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Remember it starts with one question: God, What are Your Promises for 2014?

I can’t wait to hear the awesome things He does one year from now!

Are you going to join me in asking God for His promises for the year? Let me know!!!!! Any other favorite New Year’s traditions?

Everyday Heroes: Meet Kate, She Sees Fashion and Faith as the perfect opportunity to run a Kingdom Minded Business

December 18, 2013

Today, we continue our ongoing series, Everyday Heroes! This series includes interviews of “everyday” people who are loving Jesus and loving others well through their vocations and calling. I am so excited for you to meet Kate, so let’s get started!

Charity: Kate, Welcome to the blog and thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Kate: Hi! I’m Kate and I’m twenty two. I am a recent graduate of Texas A&M in College Station, TX, where I graduated in May with a degree in Biomedical Engineering (seriously by the GRACE of GOD!). I bought the store, Northgate Vintage in August of 2012 and managed to keep the store running through my senior year of college. Towards the end of that year I did some major decision making. As much as I LOVED being in College Station and running the store, I was drawn towards a job opportunity that came my way. I took a job with St. Jude Medical, in Austin, TX. It is a biomedical device company. I work for the Cardiac Rhythm Management division which covers the sales and programming of pacemakers and defibrillators. My job is to program the pacemakers to understand and respond to each patient’s intrinsic cardiac activity. It can be pretty intense but so rewarding. To relieve some of the stress of my job I’ve settled into some hobbies. I love running with my roommates golden retriever, Riley! She adds an extra challenge…I’ve almost landed flat on my face twice when she forgets I’m next to her! I’m also taking a barre class. This January I’m joining the Austin Rowing club with my friend Mollie!

Charity: Wow, you are one busy girl. I am amazed that you bought and operated Northgate Vintage while you were still in college! Tell us a little bit about your store Northgate Vintage, where is it located, what products does it sell and who is your target audience?

Kate: Northgate Vintage is a unique shop located in the Northgate area of College Station. To get up to the shop you have to climb a spiral staircase from the street level! It is housed in one of the oldest buildings on Northgate so it carries a sense of historical charm. Northgate Vintage or NGV, sells boutique clothing, jewelry and TOMS as wells as a selection of Men’s and Women’s Vintage clothing. The goal of NGV is to be an accessible and affordable for college students. We offer high quality clothing with style at a price that won’t break the bank!

Charity: I love your commitment to offering affordable fashion what college girl or non college girl doesn’t love that! I know the story of you becoming the owner of Northgate Vintage is unique, can you share about it with our readers?

Kate: It’s a pretty unbelievable story, which is why I refer to it as a miracle! I knew the previous owner of the store that occupied the space. He decided to pack up the small business life and pursue other opportunities. After finding out the space and the store were up for grabs I immediately started dreaming about what I would do with a store! I imagined what I would sell, what it would look like, who would come in, and the potential impact I could have on students and customers. I truly believe these were God-breathed dreams!

northgate vintage, faith meets fashion, kate vincent, vocation, calling

My Dad happened to be a part of a small investing business, Vital Seed, that invests in Kingdom minded entrepreneurs. In a matter of days I met with them, spent hours explaining and answering their questions about my dream, and walked away with their support and a check in hand! Three weeks later the shop opened up for business!

That was just the start; from the very beginning I know I had the FAVOR of God on the whole effort. He provided incredible friends that gave up so much sleep and time and energy to support and help me. I am still in awe of my community and how they loved me so well! Becoming the owner of Northgate Vintage was a whirlwind adventure, and I am so thankful for the divine way it happened.

Charity: That is an incredible story Kate. I love how when God puts dreams in our hearts they are always too big to accomplish on our own. It always takes His power to fulfill them. I love that you trusted Him to give you what you needed to make these dreams a reality. What is your favorite part about being a small business owner?

Kate: I love the freedom to make decisions and guide the business in certain directions. I enjoy being able to have a vision and have the ability to see it happen. While the challenge is an added stress, it is rewarding to see the business improve and my “baby” grow! I also get to share it with an incredible friend. This past summer, Julianne Webber, became my business partner! She is a woman that walks in so much wisdom and is such a loving support. Together we make decisions about our employees, events, and clothing. It’s such a blessing to have someone to carry it with me, and also someone local in College Station. She’s also amazingly gorgeous.

Julianne Webber, northgate vintage, faith meets fashion, kate vincent, vocation, calling

Julianne and Kate

Charity: I agree, she is so beautiful! As are you! What challenges have you faced starting a small business?

Kate: The first year was obviously challenging as I was finishing my last year of undergrad. I don’t know if I would advise starting a physical location business while still in school! It was pretty rough for a couple months. (I’ll take this moment to apologize to friends and family for my disheveled appearance during this time haha). There were several nights a week that I was up until 3 or 4am and usually my days with school and work were 8am-10pm! Yikes! So thankful that season is over!

Charity: I don’t think I have ever seen you looking disheveled! But wow, I really can’t imagine keeping that schedule, only the grace and passion of the Lord could have kept you going during that period! I know you have been referencing your Christian faith throughout the interview, but could you explain to us more how your relationship with Jesus affects your business practices?

Kate: I fully believe this business is a gift from God. Because of that I treat the whole experience differently. I make decisions to steward the business and see it grow because I want to see God given all the glory. I am not out to make my fortune with this business. While I do operate to make a profit, and make the largest profit I can, the outcome of the store’s performance does not affect how I view myself or how I feel as a business owner. You see, it was never mine to begin with. Having this freedom allows the business to be generous with its income. I love being able to give to different ministries and organizations and bless people in need. NGV also carries many products that give back to ministries and sustainable third world efforts. As a Kingdom business its sole purpose is to give God glory and see the name of Jesus made known. Having that as a purpose drives our decisions to be full of integrity, honesty and to strive for excellence, and it removes the weight of failure. I can’t fail because it’s God’s dream!

Charity: That is so powerful Kate. I loved what you shared about your worth not being based upon the performance of the store. It can be so difficult (I know!) to not base our worth on performance, but when we are where God wants us and obeying what He says to do, you’re right, the weight of performance is taken off us! Thanks for that fresh reminder, I needed that today! How does owning Northgate Vintage fit into the calling on your life?

Kate: I never grew up dreaming of owning a shop. I’ve never called myself an expert on fashion or business, but I have always liked starting things. I think God has given me the desire and capability to see dreams pioneered and begun. I don’t know exactly what this looks like for the rest of my life. I would like to think that this store will continue to grow and continue to be a haven for college students on Northgate for years to come. I imagine I could move back to College Station and continue to work in the medical field while still running the store on the side. I also have really thought about church planting too. Who knows? It could be the perfect amount of work for me as a stay at home mom …..wayyyyy in the future ha…ha. I’m excited to see what unfolds!

Charity: I’m excited to see too Kate. God has already done amazing things through your life, I can’t wait to see what He does in the future. What would your advice be to readers who are interested in starting a small business, specifically one in the clothing industry?

Kate: I would say the most helpful thing would be to work for a clothing company. Work retail in a small setting, and in a large setting. I think that understanding the processes and the work that goes on behind the scenes will really give you a picture of what it takes. I would recommend reading some blogs for small businesses and getting in touch with your local small business development center. Spend several months planning and creating a business plan. Also do research in your local area for similar businesses and determine what will set you apart! Once you’ve done that you will be in much better place than I was to talk to investors.

Charity: That is excellent advice Kate. Anything else you want to share?

Kate: Just that sometimes you don’t have to have it all planned or figured out. Sometimes risking everything with God is ridiculous! But as ridiculous as it was I learned so much. I took a crazy risk (with the blessing of my parents and mentors) and was challenged in ways that I never would have been if I hadn’t. It was crazy but I don’t regret it! I also just want to say thanks for taking the time to interview me! I love your blog and you!

Charity: Awwwww, thanks Kate! I really appreciate your encouragement and you taking the time for an interview. If our readers would like to contact you or learn more about Northgate Vintage, how can they do that?

Kate: I would love to connect with anyone who has questions!

Website: www.northgatevintage.com

Kate’s Email: northgatevintagecs@gmail.com

Instagram: @northgatevintage

Facebook: www.facebook.com/northgatevintage

Free Chalkboard Christmas Printable – My Early Christmas Gift to YOU!

December 5, 2013

Hello Friends!

I hope you have been having a fantastic week! I have made a little early Christmas present for you (because you are the BEST readers!) and I am so excited about it!

Its a FREE Printable! (Keep reading for the link)

Not only is it free but it is the first printable I have ever made. (That’s right you are looking at a piece of Clarity with Charity history…ha..ha) It took a while to figure it out, but it was so much fun. I hope you enjoy it and can use it in your Christmas decor, like I did. Also keep checking back this month for some more free Christmas printables.

Are we connected on Pinterest yet? I have been pinning a lot of great Free Printable and Font Ideas on my board “Blogging” and some inexpensive and Creative Gift and Decorating ideas on my board “Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” I would love to follow you too!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Special Thanks to:

Kevin and Amanda Blog for their Free Fonts. If you are a font junkie you should check out this awesome site. They will even convert your handwriting into a font for free. How cool is that!

The Blogging Bunch for their tutorial on How to Add a Printable to Your Blog.

lil blue boo blog for their free chalkboard background.

Click Here or on the Picture below to print your copy!

One of my Favorite Christmas traditions…that I get to do Early!!!!

November 13, 2013

As I shared on Monday, this holiday season I will be highlighting some ways to actively combat the “me, me, me!” syndrome that seems to infect our culture this time of year. If you missed Monday’s post, I would encourage you to check out the opportunity to provide clean water for people in Rwanda.

Although our household is under a strict “no Christmas movies, decorations, or music until after Thanksgiving” policy (except maybe my Pandora station ~~accidently~~ started playing the Nutcracker station last night)…

There is one Christmas tradition that comes early every year.

20 Christmas’ ago, my parents included my brother and I in packing a shoe box to be given as a Christmas gift to a child in need, through Operation Christmas Child. I don’t think I have ever missed a Christmas since then.

Why?

Packing a shoe box became as much a part of my Christmas traditions as decorating the tree and stuffing our stockings so full the stocking holder couldn’t hold them anymore (anyone else ever wonder why stocking holders, can’t actually sustain the weight of the stocking on the night you really need them too?)

I always ~~thought~~ think it ~~was~~ is so fun ~~as a kid~~ to imagine what this little boy or girl might need and enjoy and then put it in their shoe box. Operation Christmas Child also provides literature to tell the story of Jesus to every child who receives a shoe box.

If you haven’t established a Christmas tradition that cultivates a spirit of giving in your kiddos or yourself, can I encourage you to consider Operation Christmas Child? Children are so moldable and precious, when you take the opportunity to include them in giving and serving, it does make a lasting impact. I am so thankful for my parents not only telling me I should serve and give, but providing an opportunity for me to participate.

Collection of these shoe boxes is happening in your city next week from November 18-25.

Here is some great info about How to get Started!

Let’s help the 1/9th of the world without CLEAN WATER… GET SOME!

November 11, 2013

Happy Monday!

The other day I turned the tv off, leaned over to my husband with exasperation and sighed…”its November and I am already sick of the Christmas commercials.” I’m not sick of Christmas! It happens to be my favorite time of the year. I despise the message “BUY more to BE happy.” I have never bought anything that has made me happy, sure it provides a fleeting moment of pleasure, but nothing that has brought me lasting satisfaction or joy.

This month as we approach the holiday season we are going to be focusing on a few ways we can make this time of year, about others and not ourselves. I know I need to be very intentional that my heart is focused on giving away what has lasting and eternal value.

I want to invite you to partner with me in drinking only water for the next 10 days…

Why?

– Because it literally could help save thousands of physical lives and also help to bring the message of Jesus to those who don’t know Him.

– The devastating reality is that 1/9 of the people in the world lack access to clean water– which results in 90% of the communicable diseases that plague the world. 3,400,000 of them die each year.

– The 10 days was founded to promote awareness of the dire need much of the world’s population lives in, and to raise funds to make a direct impact.

Water is Just the Beginning from Living Water International on Vimeo.

How?

drink water to give water.

Starting on Monday, November 11, thousands of participants– including college students across the country, will choose water as their only beverage for 10 days. The money they would have spent on coffee, soda, and other drinks will be used to give clean, safe water to our neighbors in the Ruhango district of Rwanda.

Join my Team!

Want to be a part? click HERE, to join my team!

Free Concert:

If you’d like to participate, I want to invite you personally to the Phil Wickham // Bob Goff event, on November 21, day 11. After 10 days of drinking water only, and after donating our “savings” to 10 days, we can go to the Concert // Event on Day 11!

Let me know if you are planning to participate or have any questions. I hope you will BE A PART OF MY TEAM, together we can make a huge difference!

Why I Don’t Celebrate Halloween.

October 23, 2013

I don’t celebrate Halloween

I am not a scrooge or a Grinch or a weird fanatic (although you may think so by the title of this article or by the end of it…and that’s ok..)

I am not even particularly concerned with cavities caused by too much sugar in small children

Photo Credit: D. Sharon Pruitt

You can ask my husband…he knows about my slight holiday obsession. During our first year of marriage whenever I would mention that a holiday was approaching – he would take a deep breath and ask “do you expect a gift for that holiday?” and “do you celebrate that holiday?” ( I think secretly hoping my answer was NO!)

He knows, that holidays are a big deal to me – and that at times I have been known to manufacture my own holidays – if only for an excuse to eat good food, connect with others and forget about the cares of life.

Tomorrow I am going to tell you about the best holiday I ever invented: Fall Extravaganza!!! What is Fall Extravaganza? I can’t wait to tell you about this epic holiday…tomorrow!!!!!

To me a holiday should bring joy and hope into our lives, it should provide opportunities to reflect on the most important things in life, most of all I desire holidays to draw me closer to God. What are holidays about to you?

If Halloween was only about carving happy pumpkin faces, dressing up little munchkins in fuzzy animal costumes and going door to door saying “trick or treat” I wouldn’t have a problem.

But there is so much more that surrounds the holiday in our culture that causes my issue with Halloween:

I find it ironic and disturbing that in our American culture where news reports and social commentators condemn scenes of mass genocide and murder (which should be condemned!) that in the same nation we allow scenes of death and decapitation to cover our front yards, public areas and even our school corridors.

2 years ago I substituted in public schools for primarily kindergartners. 5 year olds, innocent children who still take naps, need snacks and cry because they miss their Moms. In the hallways where these 5 year olds walked to the cafeteria, the gym, library were displays that featured bloody ligaments, frightening masks and creepy scenes portraying decay and death.

We don’t allow weapons at school, but we are ok, with images of the grim reaper displayed on the walls.

I didn’t just find this to be true at one elementary school, these displays were rampant across an entire community. A community where most people would claim to believe in God, be a good Christian and go to church every Sunday. I am not saying that people are not saved if they celebrate Halloween. But I am commenting that even amongst those in the Christian community there is a often a collective blind eye to what we are inviting into our neighborhoods, schools, and homes when we celebrate Halloween.

Halloween is a celebration of fear. Most of the symbols and images associated with the holiday celebrate evil, darkness, death and fear. Fear is not from God.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Images of de captated heads, the grim reaper with a sheath in hand ready for destruction, bloody costumes are not appropriate for children, period. And they are not appropriate for ME!

Phillipians 4:8-9 ⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

I can’t think of how any kind of bloody, grotesque or scary Halloween display, movie, image or costume could fall into the pure or lovely category.

I can’t put it in there – so even if as an adult I could rationalize “that stuff doesn’t affect me” – God says to not even think about it.

Whether you have children or not you are responsible to protect the innocence and purity of children. You don’t know who is driving by your house, walking into your home or viewing pictures of your Halloween costume on facebook or instagram.

God is fierce and clear about the protective heart He has over children and their innocence. He is also very clear about our role in protecting children.

After Jesus answers the question about who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven by placing a little child on His lap (Matthew 18:1-5) He then says:

Matthew 18: 6

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

Jesus is not neutral on this issue (protecting children’s innocence) – He is extremely blunt…it would be better for you TO DIE a painful death than for you to cause a child to stumble. Whoa…that is intense…ok…take a few deep breaths.

How is celebrating Halloween causing a little one to stumble? You are inviting fear into their lives.

I have worked with kids in a lot of different capacities: children’s pastor, substitute teacher, nanny, and camp counselor. Kids struggle with fear, because kids are human – and humans struggle with fear.

When you allow decorations that are scary and grotesque to cover your home, watch movies or tv shows about vampires or the walking dead, when you take your child to a haunted house to “get scared….” you are inviting fear and his close relatives death and evil into your house….pulling out your recliner for them to sit on and offering them cream and sugar with their coffee.

I don’t think most people are aware of what they are giving partnership to when they watch horror films or set up inflatable witches in their front yard.

I believe most Americans just think they are celebrating another holiday – and to them it’s the same as turkey carving or setting out cookies for Santa…but its not!

So how do we respond to Halloween, in a culture that seems to be embracing the celebration of the gory parts of Halloween more and more? Lock ourselves in our bedroom and try to pretend its not happening? Dress up like a vampire to make ourselves culturally relevant? We are going to look at some practical ways we can respond to Halloween as believers – TOMORROW!

Until then, I would love to hear your thoughts on Halloween. Do you celebrate Halloween, why or why not? Parents of children how do you approach Halloween?

Comparison – Why I stopped playing the game I could never win

October 22, 2013

It started as a small thought – “her kitchen is much nicer than mine”

Soon that thought pounded in my head and shriveled its way into my heart until what was first a passing thought become a consistent theme inside me… whenever I walked through her door.

It happened again that week, I walked into another friend’s home…and the same thought re-verberated through my soul, “her kitchen is so much nicer than mine” and in an instant a torrent of other thoughts and emotions overwhelmed me –

“Why, does she get a better kitchen than me?” “What have they done to deserve this? I think I deserve the nicer kitchen…I’m older, I’ve gone through more, I’ve worked harder.”

My ridiculous tantrum grew into my head, until I had a cataloged, alphabetized list of why I deserved a nicer kitchen than both my friends. My list grew for a week, until the Holy Spirit convicted me.

I was comparing myself to others, as I compared myself to them, I had begun to wallow in insecurity that my house wasn’t nice enough.

To soothe my insecurity I had begun to build an airtight case for why I deserved what they had.

It had happened so quickly, this funnel cloud of comparison, shame, insecurity and judgment. My funnel cloud could have quickly become a destructive tornado, sweeping in to suck up the vulnerability, encouragement and life which had been growing in our friendship.

I wanted to stop it, but how did one thought turn into a potential destructive disaster? It happened when I began to believe the lie of the enemy: that I didn’t have enough.

I realized how ridiculous that lie was, I certainly have more than enough.

The fact that my husband and I even own a home, much less live in one puts us in a very small category of people in the world.

We may have laminate countertops, 90’s orange oak and mismatched appliances – but its ours, and we are living in abundance – by the sheer fact that we need a fridge and pantry to hold all our food.

Comparison can quickly can bring destruction and division in our relationships if we aren’t vigilant in guarding against it. During the 2 weeks when I was wrestling with kitchen comparison, it was causing division in my heart with my friends.

Every time I walked into their kitchens instead of focusing on our conversation or developing our friendship I was focused on granite countertops and their un- orange cabinets.

When I look back on that, I am so sad that I wasted any time or emotional energy comparing my kitchen with theirs instead of investing in our friendship.

I needed to set things right with my friends, although they had no idea what was going on in my heart and my mind, so one afternoon I told both of them that I had compared my kitchen to theirs, been jealous of what they had and that I was so sorry.

I told them I never wanted comparison to be in our friendship and I asked their forgiveness. They completely forgave me.

Honestly, from that moment on, I didn’t even struggle with comparison whenever I walked into their gorgeous kitchens.

When we bring what is in the dark (in this case my ugly case of comparison and jealousy) into the light (my repenting for my wrong) the enemy loses his power over us.

It was a very humbling conversation to bring up, because I had realized at that point how petty and ridiculous my thought process had been – but that’s ok…I need humility, I need authentic friendship and I need freedom much more than pride and granite countertops.

I love this bloggers perspective on her kitchen and comparison over at Organizing Homelife, it really convicted and challenged me as I was wrestling through similar thoughts!

I would love to hear your feedback! Have you struggled with comparison? Why do you think it is so easy to start playing the “comparison game?”

The Winner!!!!!!! and why I have been MIA this week….

October 18, 2013

Thanks to everyone who entered to win the book “Sacred Pathways” by Gary Thomas. I really enjoyed reading your comments about how you learn best and also your thoughts about connecting with the Lord.

Megan B. you are the WINNER! You will be receiving an email from me asking for your address if you want a paper copy, or else I will send you the e -book version. Congratulations!

You may have noticed things have been relatively quiet on the blog this week. I have been sick the past 2 weeks and after pushing very hard last week, in spite of being sick, I have been trying to lay low this week and kick this sinus nastiness! Hopefully by next week we will be back into our normal groove. Thanks for understanding and being the best readers EVER!

I need your help!

October 2, 2013

Hi Friends!

Today I am detouring from our normal format, to ask you for some clarity…actually some HELP and your brilliant IDEAS!!!!

In 2 Saturdays I am hosting (with a friend) my first GARAGE SALE! I told Rene last night, that I was starting to feel almost giddy about this epic event.

Why?

– It feels like a very Americana, I am a married adult type of event – and having been married only a year, these type of events still make me feel like a starry eyed kid on Christmas morning.

– Volunteering to be outside all day, means that the weather is getting cool enough, for me to believe I could even survive outdoors for 8 plus hours.

– I love getting rid of clutter, its like a free detoxifying spa treatment for my brain.

– With every item I put in my pile, I feel like I am finding money I forgot I had, like when you reach into your coat pocket and pull out a dollar bill you forgot was in there.

So how can you HELP ME? By giving me your input on a few questions:

1. Have you hosted a garage sale at your house? What do you wish you had known beforehand?

2. How did you publicize your event?

3. What is the most $ you have ever paid for an item at a garage sale?

4. What is the best deal you have ever gotten at a garage sale?

5. What do you go to garage sales to find?

6. I am needing some feedback on how to price items, What do you think is a good price for these type of items?:

– DVDS

– Books

– Gently used but still cute women’s clothing, Gently used but still rugged and manly men’s clothing?

– Decorative items, frames, vases ect…

– An old California license plate =) My most unique item so far.

Thanks for your help friends, and I will let you know how it goes!

Anniversary Vacation!!!!!

September 19, 2013

Photo: Lauren Jones Photography

As I mentioned Monday, my hubby and I are celebrating our 1 year anniversary on Saturday!

I guess we are now on our way to being “maturely weds,” as one of my readers suggested!

Over the next week my husband and I will be spending some quality time together, YAAAAYYYY! Which means I am completely disconnecting from technology. In order to do that, I am not going to be posting anything on the blog. Even when I have guest bloggers there is still moderation and checking I have to do, and so this way I can have a complete break!