All the Single Christian Ladies

Let me paint a picture for you....Are you....
Single?
Christian?
Waiting for the Mr. Right NOT Mr. Right Now?
Frustrated?
Annoyed?

Do you....
have high standards that will not be compromised?
wonder when the nuptials will take place?
imagine your wedding dress, flowers, white picket fence, children?

THEN THIS POST IS FOR YOU!

Have you ever thought "Come on God I am so much fun...and I am ALREADY 21!"
Or how about this "Come on God I am not nerdy but quite flirty and I am pushing 30!"
Or this "I NEED a man and Lordy Lordy, ...I am passing 40!"
Or "Come on it is about TIME...people say I am in my PRIME!"

Well I am sure that you have thought any number of these things...but lets talk about the actions.

SISTERS, I have collaborated a list of possible signs that you might be getting impatient....trust me...we have all done or considered some of the following. ENJOY *wink* (Just a note...thanks to the girls that have shared in these wonderful ideas!)

So here is my top 10 in no particular order that you might just a bit impatient! (tongue and cheek of course!)

You Might be getting impatient for a Christian Man if....

10. You spot a "not of this world" sticker on a car and you accelerate quickly to see if the person driving is a guy...and of course hot. Sure you ignore that fact that the last 50 times you did this it was a girl driving the car. It only takes one right ladies?!

9. You admire a cross tattoo or necklace and immediately assume the guy is a Christian. Sure you neglect to remember that Madonna wore a cross around her neck in her "like a Virgin" song, the fact that Kanye West thanks God every time he wins an award, and that many clothing logos have some variation of a cross. BUT maybe just maybe they are a Christian. (CLUE: if the only inclination that they might be a Christian is from their tattoo....give it up.)

8. You dream of the day when you will meet your husband. I mean you almost hope your car breaks down so that Prince Charming can change your tire, or you slip in a grocery store and your knight in shining armor extends his hand to help you up....come on girl WAKE UP!

7. You have actually written a letter to him, or considered it. NUFF SAID *wink*

6. You creep facebook for "legit" guys...and by "legit" I mean it says something about being a Christian and his music preferences at least mention 1 Christian band and one Christian book in his "likes."

5. You have ever considered that if you are dressed ugly one day, your story might just end up like Ruth. Working in the field and admired while you are sweaty, dirty and feeling gross. Not to mention being able to "lay at the feet of Boaz." Don't we all wish we could be THAT forward sometimes instead of just waiting, waiting, waiting, did I mention waiting ?!?!

4. You have ever thought it was good idea to dress up in your stilettes (stiletto heels) and cute outfit and walk in to C28 to buy something only if a guy is working. Whether you choose to buy those inexpensive bible mints or a "true love waits" ring, you are sending the message....Christian and Single! AND girl, you gotta know he is going to ask if you need prayer...and you kindly oblige and ask him to pray for your future husband. hehe

3. You have read and studied Captivating and Wild and Heart multiple times...and you think it is time to read and study it again!

2. You have written a list of qualities you want in a husband. But here is the problem....follow with me... your dating ad looks like this....SCW who is a PWWSTGCLBRDDJW Seeking SCM who is a PWWSTGCLBRDDJW

Don't get the jargon? Let me dissect it for you...
Single Christian Woman who is a Prayer Warrior, Worship Singing, Tithe Giving, Children Loving, Bible Reading, Devo Doing, Journal Writer....SEEKING Single Christian Man who is a Prayer Warrior, Worship Singing, Tithe Giving, Children Loving, Bible Reading, Devo Doing, Journal Writer.

See the problem here? Your are seeking yourself in MALE form....Gurl give it up....you cant reincarnate yourself in a man form!

1. The number one inclination that you might be desperately needing to find a husband is the following...you have ever considered "accidentally" showing up to a Single Men's Bible Study...you conveniently have baked cookies, and since you are already there, you might as well offer up your prayers and counseling services to any man that might need them. *wink*

Ok girls so there you have it....Can I get an Amen Amen Amen...not to be mistaken as a "hey men, hey men, hey men"

Girls, don't be sad when yet ANOTHER Christian man gets married....I know I know there really are not THAT many more fish in the sea...but he is there waiting and praying for you too.

Hope you enjoyed this non exhaustive list and it gave you a smile.

Good Night and Happy Waiting:)

Stirring the Pot for a Point

I do not normally like to "stir the pot." I dont always think it is necessary to be critical of people around me. I live my life and people live theirs. I am always willing to offer advice when asked, but I typically will keep to myself. EXCEPT FOR TODAY!

Here we go folks....I am stirring the pot. I am mixing it up and I am sad, upset, hurt and angry in one big FAT emotion!

Why you might ask...Here we go....(Bring on the rant....and well....some grace)

I was sent THIS ARTICLE (Click and read before continuing) published in Marie Claire magazine from my sister.

Where do I even begin? Initially after reading this article I was sick. Literally pit of my stomach sick....then I was hurt...then I was sad...then I was angry....and now I am just well sick.

Coming from a "fattie" my soul bled for people reading this. WOW really? What a tragic way voice an opinion! SO hurtful and so disrespectful.

Though I would like to spit out a bunch of degrading and horrible things about this author, I realize I would be going down to her level, so I decided to write her a letter...on my blog of course. I am sure she will never read it, but here we go.

Dear Maura Kelly:

I do not even know where to begin with the sadness I have felt while reading your article. I certainly know that we are all entitled to our opinions and as a fellow blogger, I certainly have voiced my own. But you are published for the world to see in an, up until today, respected magazine.

Let me give you some history on myself...10 months ago I weighed 363 pounds and I guess you could consider me a "fattie" and "very very obese." Did it ever occur to you that I already felt judged and uncomforable walking across the room knowing that people like you were judging me, whether is was going back for seconds at the buffet or standing in line to get a skinny vanilla latte at Starbucks? Did it ever occur to you that I wanted to be like you people...thin and admired? Did it occur to you that I would like to go to the gym, but felt as if people judged me because my "rolls and rolls" might offend someone?

What I think you have failed to realize is that people who you would call "fatties" know how they are viewed in the world. We are not oblivious to the fact that we have increased health risks, take up extra room where ever we go, and know that we are judged. But let me ask you something....because we are fat are we not allowed to be loved? Sure, I am not a huge fan of PDA (public displays of affection) but does it really matter whether someone is large or not?

Remember...we "fatties" have taken the same health classes as you have. We know how to exercise and eat healthy. But if we can not even feel free to display affection to a loved one, how do you expect us to go to the gym and want to jiggle around complete strangers? Have you neglected to remember an important word called "metabolism?" How about "genetics?" Are you familiar with these terms? I know many thin girls that eat like crap and their bodies are rotting from the inside out. You do not complain about them do you? No, you complain and are disgusted by the people who probably have been disgusted with themselves at one point.

You have kicked people while they are already down. You have stereotyped a group of people without ever walking in their shoes. You have no idea, therefore you do not know.

Though deep down in my heart I truly want to be mad at you and hate your guts, I actually feel sorry for you. You have missed the mark here my dear friend and potentially destroyed and alienated a group of people who have already felt alienated.

Please, I ask of you...if you are ever given the opportunity to write...which I hope you are not, I hope you think about the effects of your writing on people.

Thanks,

Spectacular Steal Saturday

WOW I am back for another tardy edition of "Fashion Find Fridays." I have been gone a while because the budget does not always permit shopping. BUT today you are in for a WHOA-MAZING edition! I have found some of the best deals lately....Some of which I am sure are still available.


So here we go.....

Outfit #1....I will begin with saying that this outfit cost me a total of $5.74. Here is the break down. The jeans are Gap long and leans passed down from my sister, so I paid nothing for them obviously. For that I am extremely greatful! Thanks sissy.

The white shirt is also something passed down from my dear friend Jackie. You da best gurl!!! So this shirt is from Old Navy, but again cost me nothing.

So lets get into the accessory department. The scarf and shoes are from no other place but Target. The scarf retails at $10.00 but I bought it for only $2.50! That means I saved $7.50 on this gem.

For the shoes, little story....I have been WAITING for these shoes to go on sale! I loved them but why would I spend $12.99 on them when I can get them on sale for $3.24 meaning that I saved $9.75 on these shoes!



Now I am done with Outfit # 1.






Outfit # 2....I also really love this outfit for a casual day. Nothing too special but cute...and that is what I am going for...comfy and cute. The total for this outfit is roughly $14.74.

So again, thanks sissy for the jeans at no cost to me. As for the purple shirt, it is from Old Navy and cost me around $3.00. I am not sure of the exact price but I know it was marked down from $14.00 and I got it for $3.00 bucks. I bought it in grey (you will see that soon) and in black, as well.

The teal sweater is also from Old Navy costing me $8.00 marked down from $24.99 saving me around $17.00. This sweater is super light weight and comfortable. Perfect for a cold morning or something to just throw on to add a splash of color.

And lastly, the shoes....TARGET again. These casual shoes cost me $3.74 marked down from $14.99 saving me a total of $11.25.

So here you go...a debut of Outfit # 2.







Outfit # 3...Ok and for my last and FAVORITE outfit out of the bunch.... This outfit totals at $24.21.

So here are the deets... I decided to actually try on some Skinny Jeans. I was really scared because lets be real, anything with the word "skinny" can not be something that will look remotely cute. But I think I was wrong. I found these Skinny Jeans at Ross for $12.99 marked down from $40.00 saving me $27.01. Can you believe it? They are even really comfortable and I can wear them with flats or heels (as you will see in a second.)

The shirt is from Old Navy, as you saw above. And the scarf is from Target. I bought it for $3.24 marked down from $12.99 saving me $9.75.

The shoes are possibly my favorite part of the outfit. I know what you are thinking...."why in the world does a girl who is 5'11" want to wear heels....let alone 4 inch ones?!?!" But let me tell you, these shoes are surprisingly comforable and SUPER CUTE! They were even the last pair on the shelf and they were in my size! And I dont have to be short for anyone, so why not wear heels right?!?! Ok so I know you are dying to know... these hotties cost me $4.98 marked down from $19.99 saving me a total of $15.01.

So with glee, I show you Outfit # 3.

And the grand total of savings over the last 3 weeks on these outfits are.....

$119.27

Lesson Learned....

As a part of my personal training I have taken up the intense sport of Boxing! Though I would like to tell you about how amazing I am at it, I actually have to admit that I am not so good.

If you even know a morsel about me....I am NOT a fighter. I am a wuss. Truly the only physical fight I ever have gotten in was when I decided to fight my sister back when I was in Jr. High. And...well I slapped her across the face with the Espirit magazine we were fighting over...Needless to say...She won!

So what compelled me to actually decide I wanted to try boxing? I have no idea, but IT IS SO FUN! I am really enjoying myself. I dont have a lot of agression to get out, but if I did, this would be the outlet.

But enough about that....here are some lessons I have learned in the process of boxing....

Just because your hand wraps are pink does not make you better at throwing punches, nor does it hurt any less....LESSON LEARNED

Just becuase you have huge padded gloves on your hands does not mean that it does not hurt SO BAD when you punch....LESSON LEARNED

Even though you worked all day and HAD to wear makeup, you probably should take the time to take it off before you sweat it off into your eyeballs....LESSON LEARNED (OUCH) :(

Keep your gloves up or you are going to get socked in the face....LESSON LEARNED (ok ok so my trainer showed me more mercy than socking me in the face, but he could have, but those gloves are heavy!)

You can kiss your hand modeling career goodbye...thanks to blisters, bruises, busted nails, calluses among other things....LESSON LEARNED

Do not even attempt to text within the first hour after boxing because your fingers and arms will not work and it is just frustrating....LESSON LEARNED

No matter how low the pony or how high the pomp, your hair will be soaking wet when you are finished....get over it...LESSON LEARNED

Longish nails might be pretty, but they will get caught on the gloves....LESSON LEARNED

Invest in tight fitting britches....trust me....LESSON LEARNED

So there it is my friends...my boxing LESSONS LEARNED

I hope you do not have to learn the same lessons I had to. :)

Letting it all Go!

Have you ever come to a point where you feel a pushing and tugging on your heart and you don't know why? Ever resist the tug?

For me, this tug comes directly from the Holy Spirit and normally I am more than willing to go where he tells me to go. Remember this post where I was called to quit my job? Sure I was scared, but God moved and I knew He would. God is continuing to reveal why he had me quit my job and move home to get out of debt, but that is not the purpose of my post today.

As I type this, I sit in Starbucks waiting to check into a hotel in San Diego for my brother's wedding. I am sitting here actually debating typing this post. I know that I have to be obedient in all things and I really feel I am supposed to write.

To be honest, I have had blogger's block. I have had all these ideas to blog about mostly "funny" things....at least things that I find funny, but I have been burdened by this thing stirring in my heart.

Let me explain....I am probably one of the most secretly prideful and independent people on the planet. (Ok to some, this is no big secret!) I think that I know everything about how my life should end up and I don't need any one's help....sadly sometimes I feel like I don't even need God's help.

I know what you are probably thinking...."wow this girl sucks" or maybe even "why is she sharing this? She should keep it to herself." But my dear readers, this post is not a post to tell you who I am and that I am going to stay complacent in this. God is stirring in my heart and I don't like it!

To cope and sustain my issues of pride and independence I have built up walls around my heart. Because of things that have happened in my life, I am scared to open up, scared to let go. Don't get me wrong, to "guard your heart" as it talks about in Bible is an important thing. We must guard are hearts from things that are impure, and we hear it most to "guard your heart" in relationships. When I think of a guard, I think about a person allowing the right things to come in and out. So in terms of guarding our heart, I think about consciously allowing things in and out of our heart.

Sadly, this is not what I have done. I do not guard my heart but put up walls. Walls, on the other hand, are not meant to allow things in and out, but to keep all things out. Practically speaking, it is much easier to build a wall and walk away than to guard something. To guard your heart, one must always be prepared to discern what should be let in and out. To build a wall, everything stays out and for me, this is MUCH easier.

This is where I have been for longer than I would like to admit and God is trying with all of his might to break down my walls of pride and independence and show me that He wants to be that guard for my heart. But in order for Him to be able to do that, I must allow Him.

So what does that practically look like for me? First off, I had to learn to let go of the notion that I know what is best for my life. Reality is, I don't know what is best, but I was created by Someone who does. I must consciously allow God to lead me and guide me. I must be "patient in tribulation and constant in prayer" as Romans 12:12 says. I must allow God to come to rescue and not think I can do it all by myself.


I am pretty confident that if I let go of my pride, I will have to let go of my independence. I know that I will recognize even more how much I need to be dependent on God and also, to a certain degree, be dependent on other people. This is scary because of my own life experiences it is so hard for me to trust people. What I do know is that God loves me and wants to bless me with no strings attached. I must also learn that people who love God also want to love and bless me, no strings attached.

I know that this is not going to be easy or fun. I am scared, uneasy, and in foreign territory but know that I will come out better on the otherside. So here it is my friends....God's wounded, stubborn and independent princess is letting it all go!

I know this will not be a quick and easy process and I know that I may not perfect it, but it may be something that God continues to walk me through, but He is faithful and loves his children.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his merices never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfullness."

Lamentations 3:22-23

You might be in Education if....

As some of you might know, I got a new job in May working for a school district as a Speech Therapy Assistant. I got a little taste of working for a school and then the kids were out for summer.

So....5 weeks into the school year I have realized a few things about working in a school.

If you work with kids, whether in education, speech, special ed...or even a stay at home mom, I am sure that you can relate to this post. :)

Working with kids you can never have enough....

1. STICKERS- I have found that a sticker heals a boo boo, a sad day and for sure rewards good behavior. (even if that behavior was first instigated by a kid laying on the floor, and now they got up and sat down.)
2. Hand Sanitizer- I have NEVER in my life seen so much "hunting for gold" in my life! WOW I do not think that I have ever had that many things up in my nose, but goodness these kids find their own "treasures!" Hand sanitizer is fantastic for all things....cleaning hands of course, wiping down Mr. Potato Head, or even sanitizing the McDonalds toys that you have told them 100 times "it is NOT real food" or "only pretend to eat." :)
3. Health Insurance- You can never have enough insurance just in case you actually get sick from your kids "hunting for gold" or in the event you get hit, scratched, or bit....Health Insurance is a BLESSING!
4. Running Shoes- If you have kids like mine, running shoes are a MUST. Children go from a sitting position to running out of the door faster than a bullet!
5. Clothing with some "give"- I am constantly on the floor with my kids...that can even mean laying on the floor with them while they throw a fit attempting to "get into their world." If I had clothes that were too tight or did not move I would be able to relate to Chris Farley in Tommy Boy...."Fat guy in a little coat!" And we know how that ended up!
6. Blotting Tissue- You know that running around with those kids and sweating profusely, blotting tissue to clean off the greasy face is a STAPLE for working with kids.
7. Smiles- And lastly, you can not smile enough working with kids. The pure joy in seeing a child light up when you give them a voice or the words to be able to express themselves is such a lasting blessing!

Thank you to all teachers, moms, and those in education. These children need you and we need them!