Just a quick post to say Happy Halloween!
I hope everyone stays safe.
Thoughts of those in the path of big bad Sandy have been on my mind. :(
Prayers are being sent your way.
For those who are dressing up, or taking your kids out
have fun and again stay safe! ♥
This is a bad picture of me, it was taken at night.
I was tired.
But needed a "practice run" of the costume,
and had The Hubs take a quick pic.
So I could get a look, since I don't have a full length mirror!
If you're curious what my costume is (everyone always asks)
I'm "Heidi" or an "Octoberfest-Girl".
IDK, I just thought the outfit was cute!
And I LOVE the pink & green combo.
Plus I had these pink pair of tights, and it went perfect with them.
I handmade the bow to match.
AND did you notice.... THE BOOTS, again.
Yes they are comfy to wear all night. ;)
Doesn't it always seem that no matter what you are going through, when ever you turn on the radio, it seems that song always applies to you!?
Or is that just me?
Recently Ive been dealing with a hard and hurtful situation.
I've been sad, hurt, confused, mad, sad, hurt, disappointed, sad, hurt.....
Did I mention SAD & HURT?
Anyways, Ive been praying a lot on how to handle this situation.
Asking God for strength, and comfort and most of all Wisdom.
And lately it seems I cant get into my car without the first song I hear being about FORGIVENESS.
I think there are about 3 or maybe 4 different songs about forgiveness that play on K-Love or Air1.
I don't believe in coincidence...
I know what God is telling me to do, right there.
I often feel God speaks to me through music a lot.
Music is one way that really prepares my heart and opens it up to hear from God.
Its my favorite form or worship.
This Sunday at church, I was on the worship team.
And I felt like every song we sung that morning was MEANT FOR ME.
Was God saying "LISTEN to these words."
"See, I am comforting you. I am confirming what you already know. I am loving you. I am blessing you. I am giving you strength. I will never let go of you.But you do need to let this go. Be still, and know that I AM."
It took all I could manage, not to totally LOSE IT on stage this Sunday.
Not to break down into "the ugly cry" right there in front of everyone.
But you better believe I turned what would have been the ugly cry into utter surrendered worship.
My eyes closed tight, my hands raised up in surrender, singing my heart out.
NOT as one who leads worship for the congregation, but one who was alone in a moment with God.
One who forgot everything and everyone else around me and wanted so desperately for God to wash over me.
To wash away all the hurt and pain and sadness I was feeling.
I cry now as I write this... Just thinking about it.
Why?
Because HE DID.
Yes. I am still a little wounded.
No things are not the same as they were.
Yes trust has been broken.
Yes relationships and hearts still need to be mended.
But I feel like yes, forgiveness is what is needed.
Forgiveness is what He is telling me.
Forgiveness is what HE GAVE TO ME, and to EVERYONE!
So, Forgiveness is what I WILL GIVE.
And I TRUST in GOD and HIS enduring faithfulness.
Because I know that even though people fail (I certainly have many times) that God does NOT fail.
Things will be better, and peace will come.
I know it will come.
Because I trust God, who heals all things.
I was also reminder that even HE knows what its like to be hurt, yet He still loves and forgives.
Jesus is our model of forgiveness...
Even while being crucified, He prayed for and forgave his persecutors!
I appreciate all the kind words of support and encouragement many of you have given me.
I am uplifted by the prayers some of you have committed to sending for me.
I hope that through my struggles, my thoughts, my lessons, my words on this little blog,
that you too, who are hurting or struggling can find some comfort.
I pray that God will use me, to uplift His name and bring some light, love and comfort
those of you who are also in need.
Lamentations 3:22-24
The Message (MSG)
22-24 God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.
Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.
Skinny Jeans, Cardi & Tank Top: Old Nacy, Shoes: Payless, Necklace: Premier Designs, Custom Bracelets c/o:By Joyce Golden, Headband:Much Love Illy
And you cant tell but, I am wearing some amazing lip balm called Unicorn Farts. Which according to the listing: "smells like spearmint and pink cotton candy, everybody knows that!" Its amazing.
This last week has been a roller-coaster of ups and downs.
Its been really good but there has also been some really REALLY bad stuff.
Ive lost 3 more pounds since my last weight loss update. That brings me down to 176 lbs, for anyone curious.
Ive given away just about all the clothes in my closet, because nothing was fitting me.
I was bummed, that even though I was losing weight, I wasn't looking or feeling good because Ive hardly had anything decent to wear.
Then The hubs took me shopping! I got a few new dresses, several new shirts and decided on only one pair of jeans (these ones Im wearing) because I already had bought myself the purple skinnies, recently bought myself some RED skinnies and I also plan on losing more weight... so didnt want to have a bunch of pants that wont fit me again, soon!
The Hubs picked out all but two items of my new clothes. (The tank top im wearing in this post and one of the dresses I got). I'm surprised, he did really good. And he actually pushed me out of my comfort zone to try something I never would have tried on... And it actually looked good.
I found out some really awful terribly heart breaking news. No need to go into detail, just know that several people were hurt by this news (myself included) and lots of prayer would really be appreciated.
I cried myself to sleep a few nights last week.
I am OK, but I'm sad and my heart is deeply hurt.
Hubs and I finally took my ring to be cleaned, brightened and soldered! Which is why you might notice its missing in these photos. It took a week and I finally have it back looking brand new.
I felt awkward walking around all week without my ring. Just didn't feel complete. :/
These boots I'm wearing in today's outfit, Ive had for almost a year. Before this month I only wore them once. I was too chicken to wear them out or be able to "pull the look off". But now they are my new favs. I LOVE the way they look. And believe it or not, they are SUPER comfy to wear. I can wear them all day and my feet don't even hurt at the end of the day. ♥ So Ive been wearing them a lot. Im sure they will show up in several more outfit posts.
Ive been getting several compliments on my weight loss again lately. I don't feel like I look that much different. But maybe its because now I finally have clothes that fit.
I have hardly been home. And have been feeling like a bum not posting, or having much scheduled or prepared for the blog like I usually do.
Because we haven't been home much except for evenings, the house was a disaster, so I had spend ALL Saturday doing some major cleaning. Not the best way to spend a Saturday in my opinion.
We have like no food in the house. SO I must do some grocery shopping today. Im not sure why, but I despise grocery shopping. And as of right now, I sort of despise all food!
I believe I am in the beginning stages of getting sick. My body and mind have been fighting it like crazy, but I have a feeling the sickness might win out. ugh.
I got my hair done! Professionally this time! I was all excited to do something fun and maybe a little crazy/new/different. Then I remembered we are getting our family photos done the end of November. So I decided to stay safe, only get a color touch up and trim!
Lately Ive been feeling like the WORST. MOM. EVER. I don't know why. Its not like Ive REALLY done anything so wrong. But, I guess, because Ive been sort of bummed out and sad over said bad news, mentioned above, and kind of feeling like I'm gonna get sick... Ive sort of wanted to be quiet and alone and by myself while at home. Ive sort of been pushing the kids away. Just wanted peace and not to deal with "mom duties". I dont want to do that, But I also don't want to freak out on them. :(
I feel like this is a totally lame post just complaining about the bad and bragging about the good. *sigh* My mind has been occupied so much lately.. Forgive my lack of creativity.
I'm gonna end this on a good thing. I know God Loves me, dearly. Ive felt Him giving me strength. I feel He has been comforting me so much this week. I feel blessed to KNOW such a wonderful Savior. And I feel blessed that even in the BAD, I can praise Him and know true LOVE and JOY, because He has blessed me immensely more than I deserve. And that far outweighs any bad thing I have gone though, been going through or will ever go through.
Be Blessed my friends.
Much Love & BIG BIG Hugs to you ALL,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.
Get to know MY 2nd Blog, Mommy Made: Blog♥Facebook
Now that you have seen all the great prizes, I know you want to enter to win!
And you can do so through the easy rafflecopter widget below! a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck!
Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.
Perspectives is a weekly photo challenge and link up. Basically we (the hosts) have 1 theme to share each week. We want YOU to take and share 3 photos of said theme in YOUR perspective! Show us how YOU see things. We will do the same, and then link up to the party.
This weeks theme is Big & Small. Im actually extremely bummed because, I had a few fun ideas for this weeks theme. But such as life, things came up and I was actually out of the house every day with things to do! SOOO, I am relying on some OLD but still very fun photos, that I thought would be perfect for this theme. These are pictures of my daughter, Kiah, as "Alice in Wonderland". I took and edited these for a contest a couple years ago, and the are perfect for this themebecause they show "Alice" big and small. Which was fun for me, because depending on my angle or perspective I could make Kiah look bigger or smaller than she was. So I hope you enjoy!
First up:
BIG - "Alice" Grows at the Rabbits house.
Second:
SMALL- "Alice" Contemplating who she is with the wise caterpillar.
Third:
BIG - "Alice" grows when she first enters "Wonderland".
Dont forget the Key! ;)
FEATURED: To thank you for linking up, each host is picking a photo to feature. Last week I had such fun seeing all the photos showing off your perspective of our 5 senses! This week, though, I am featuring Amy from My Little One Room School House! I just LOVED this photo for "Touch" it really does make me want to reach up and touch the texture. ♥
If you link up, please be kind and follow the RULES:
The rules are simple!
♥Link up your post (or photo sharing account) containing your 3 photos, representing this week's theme....
Big & Small
♥Follow your hosts in one way or another.
♥Grab a button for your post to help spread the word & have a fun!
Please, if you are linking up, grab a button or at least link back to one of us,
as we are just starting out and need all the help we can get to spread the word!
Thanks so much!
We cannot wait to meet new shutterbugs & photo lovers such as ourselves!
Remember each host will be picking a photo from one of the link ups to feature next week!
If you can't link up this week, that's okay!
TRICK OR TREAT
After you link up be sure to check out Lena & Natalie's photos for this week, and also see who THEY featured!!
Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.
*UPDATE*
You can view our family portraits here!
Kiah's tights were from Target, And her boots from Payless.
Hubs jeans from Old Navy, Boys' jeans from Target.
**
I am so excited because my little family is finally going to get some new portraits!
And we are going to be photographed by the awesomely talented Ryan Alexander of Alexander Creative!
He is moving to Cali, and not only that, he is moving to Redding.. Which is only 35 minutes away from me!
So as soon as I saw that, I jumped on the chance to schedule my family a session with him. ♥
If you are thinking to yourself his name sounds familiar,
well you might recognize this amazing artwork in my home:
That beautiful Print is the work of Ryan Alexander!
I am SUCH a fan!
And am so excited to be able to have him as our photographer.
Anywho...
So Ive been busy the last couple of weeks trying to find the perfect clothes for our family to wear.
And I finally decided on the outfits above.
There will be some accessories added in, of course.
And I am still deciding if I want Zan in blue jeans or in gray pants...
But for the most part, these are the outfits.
What do you think?
Do any of you have some cute accessories in your shop that might look great with these outfits?
If so, let me know... include a link to the item or your shop in the comment section!
Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.
When I was first contemplating buying colored skinny jeans, I was nervous because I thought I would have no clue how to wear them! I tried to search google and pinterest for ideas on how to wear purple skinny jeans, with not much luck. But, I decided to buy them anyways, to wear them with an simple black top for an easy look. But I was determined to find a few other great ways to wear them!
I didn't go too crazy with colors, mostly stuck to monochromatic black/white/gray, but Im happy with each look, and glad I could find more than one way to wear my purple skinnies!
Today I am sharing the looks I liked, to hopefully inspire and help others who might have asked the same question "What to wear with purple skinny jeans!?"
This first look is one you have already seen if you are a regular Agape Love reader.
Its the very first look I decided on with these purple skinnies, that I mentioned above, a simple black top.
You can see more photos from this look, here, as well as a giveaway for the necklace I'm wearing!
Second look. I was actually wearing this pink cami (along with the last shirt in this post) when I first tried on these skinny jeans. I actually liked the look of the hot pink with the purple. So I paired it with a very flowy white button up shirt. I love the pops of color the rich pink and purple give, and the fact that they're not too overwhelming with the white to help balance it out.
For the Third Look, I wanted to try my new boots with my skinnies. So I sort of went back to the first look, but wanted to break up all the black, so added the pink cami for a nice peek-a-boo pop of color!
Fourth Look, I wanted to really step out of the monochrome color box!
So I went for it with a cute flowy MINT top and white cami.
Ive always liked this color combo together, but was nervous about this look being too much.
Surprising, though, I actually like this look too.
Last look I wanted to try a print.
Again I kept it simple, with gray, and a subtle snake skin print.
Another flowy shirt... I kind of like the flowy shirts with the tight look of skinny jeans.
This look is another simple one, but the colored jeans and the printed top make it a little more fun.
Other colors I think would look great with purple skinnies is yellow.
And I would LOVE a fun polka-dot shirt to pair with them also!
Well I hope this post was helpful in inspiring you on how to wear your colored skinnies!
If you have any fun tips or ideas on how YOU wear colored jeans, please share them.
I'd love to hear and have more looks to try. ♥
I'd also love to know your thoughts on the looks I shared.
Which one was your favorite, which look would YOU wear?
Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.
"I
am a work at home mother with two beautiful children (we're working on
making a third but shhh it's a secret). I hate to call myself a "stay at
home" mom because that is not an accurate description of me at all. I
have an eBay store where I sell cosmetics, nail polish, jewelry
and anything that helps you look your best. I recently started a blog to
support my store; on my blog I love to discuss all aspects of beauty.
I'm a huge advocate for promoting a positive self-image and helping
women realize that beauty is so much more then what we look like on the
outside. I love to use my blog to help women feel great about who they
are. I also love fashion and every Sunday I post what I wore to church
that day (since it's the only day I get to "dress up"). Also every
Monday I post a "Mani Monday" where I show off my latest manicure... I
have a bit of a nail polish addiction. My eBay store is a major passion
of mine, I have had so much fun branching out into the social networking
world and showing my customers who I am and what I stand for. "
3 Random Facts about Crystal:
1. I love to read and I don't read girly books at all. When it comes to
reading the fashion/beauty loving Crystal goes out the window. As far as books are concerned I love all
things fantasy and sci-fi. "I love Harry Potter so
much I sometimes wish I was a wizard"... I'm a nerd at heart.
2. I HATE washing dishes! No one ever
told me that when I quite my job and chose to stay home with my
children I would become a full time dishwasher. I don't know what it is
about it but washing dishes everyday just makes my skin crawl. All other
chores I'm fine with but me and the kitchen sink/dishwasher just don't get along.
3.
I never went to collage but I worked for six years in the banking
industry and supported my husband through Helicopter school.
Now on the the PRIZE... a $30 value beauty Prize Package!!
"I don't think so, I'd probably burn to the ground the instant I stepped through the door! Haha"
That is a real response from someone who was invited to my church.
It may sound innocent and funny, but its not.
In this aspect I feel there are 3 kinds of people...
~Those who truly believe they have done too much bad in this life, they fear they can never be forgiven or saved from it.
~Those who live a life they are not WILLING to change or give up to even think about accepting forgiveness or salvation.
~Those who live imperfect lives, sin, make mistakes, done bad, have a past etc... But understand and accept that we CAN change, we HAVE been forgiven, and each day is made NEW by the GRACE of GOD.
My heart breaks for those #1 and #2 kind of people.
The people you care about, invite to church, try to encourage, be an example for, that cant or wont accept the love, grace, mercy and salvation that the Lord has for us.
It breaks my heart, and even frustrates me a little that this person would even think she cant even step into a church for fear she will be instantly judged or made known she is a sinner.
But HELLO we are ALLLLLLLL Sinners. We ALL fall short of the glory of God! But we are redeemed by the grace of God and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Gods One and Only Son)! (Romans 3:22-31, Romans 5:8, John 3:16)
We do not DESERVE this grace. We are all sinners who deserve death. No one can EARN this gift of grace we have been offered, we can only ACCEPT it.
You don't have to be perfect to go to church or be a Christian. We are not perfect, only forgiven. So no one can boast, judge, act "holier than thou"... We have no right.
However of course God wants us to live for Him, meet with Him, have a REALTIONSHIP with Him. The Bible says "draw near to God and He will draw near to you"! (James 4:8) God also wants us follow the path He has set for us. Sometimes that may seem like a hard uncomfortable path to walk. Yes it does mean giving up things we might like... Worldly things. The way we act, the things we do and say. (Colossians 3:5-17, Romans 13:13)
Yes it does mean change.
But that doesn't mean you have to come already changed to be accepted.
If we were all capable of making ourselves perfect already, we wouldn't need church or God.
A hospital is for sick people, just as a church is for sinners. You don't go already healed, you go TO BE HEALED.
We can come as we are, and as we draw near to God, and He draws near to us we can become more mold-able and willing to be shaped by God into the person we were truly meant to be!
I heard a song the other day.
It really spoke to me, and its what set this whole post into action.
Well, I believe, really it was God speaking to me through this song, that set this post into action...
Sometimes I am not great with words, sometimes I worry I might offend people or even worse mess up God's message.
But this seemed loud and clear to me.
And when I actually feel God speaking to me, I really try to listen!
I felt He wanted me to share this message.
People want to feel accepted, need to know they ARE accepted.
There is forgiveness, love, mercy, grace and there can be change for the better.
This song is an amazing example and reminder of that.
I put together this little artwork with some of my favorite lyrics from the song.
The parts that really spoke to me.
Read it, let it sink in.
Then scroll down and listen to the song, Ive added the video below.
Not only are the words and message so beautiful, the song is lovely on the ears as well.
I promise you are gonna love it, and try to tell me it DOESNT give you chills as you listen.
Because it gives them to ME!
Even though I am a Christian, I know I have been saved, forgiven, I am a beloved child of God...
This message STILL holds true for me.
Every day is new, every day I stumble, and each time God is there picking me up, giving me a second chance. Because as I said before, we are all sinners.
But I
know that as long as I am willing, God is working on me, changing me,
molding me, and he has promised never to stop until I am complete. - Philippians 1:6
Please feel free to share your thoughts, question or concerns.
Please I ask that we stay respectful to one another.
Know that EACH and EVERY person on this earth IS a child of God.
God loves ALL of His children, whether they acknowledge or love Him back.
His sacrifice was made for ALL.
So keep this in mind when commenting, or replying to me or each other.
Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.
Perspectives is a weekly photo challenge and link up. Basically we (the hosts) have 1 theme to share each week. We want YOU to take and share 3 photos of said theme in YOUR perspective! Show us how YOU see things. We will do the same, and then link up to the party.
This weeks theme is The 5 Senses. Here are 3 "5 senses" photos in my perspective.
First up:
This one represents "TASTE" - Some yummy healthy fajitas!
Second:
This is a photo from a recent photo session I had.
I thought it would be a great one to represent "SOUND"!
Third:
"SIGHT" - The Hubs has been gone for four days, and I will get to SEE him again today! ♥
I missed him and that "million dollar smile" of his!
FEATURED: To thank you for linking up, each host is picking a photo to feature. There were many amazing photos for light, our last link up! This week, though, I am featuring A Creative Cookie!
If you link up, please be kind and follow the RULES:
The rules are simple!
♥Link up your post (or photo sharing account) containing your 3 photos, representing this week's theme....
5 Senses
♥Follow your hosts in one way or another.
♥Grab a button for your post to help spread the word & have a fun!
Please, if you are linking up, grab a button or at least link back to one of us,
as we are just starting out and need all the help we can get to spread the word!
Thanks so much!
We cannot wait to meet new shutterbugs & photo lovers such as ourselves!
Remember each host will be picking a photo from one of the link ups to feature next week!
If you can't link up this week, that's okay!
BIG & SMALL
After you link up be sure to check out Lena & Natalie's photos for this week, and also see who THEY featured!!
Much Love & Hugs,
Visit my In Post Sponsor:
Sponsor an "In Post" Ad! Click {here}for more info.
