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Thursday, February 27, 2014

Knowing more equals doing better part 2



Today we continue our series on time! I've had several situations arise just in the last day or so that has reminded me that once we know something, we are responsible to apply it and use it to sharpen us. I've been made a fool MANY times and I really don't want to be a fool in this area. Knowing more and do nothing with it!
My friend Alisha who I gave a shout out to yesterday is the one sharing her thoughts and tips today! It's a great reminder of how important time with friends is important and investing your time in a healthy way.


Two Are Better Than One
Take a moment and think about a few of your closest friends and how you felt after you spent time with them.
Still laughing from a funny story one of them shared? Overwhelmed with gratitude because they inspired you? Feeling relaxed, calm, and reenergized? Or did they bring you down? Did they suck you into drama and gossip? Did they make you feel bad about yourself? Did they actually show any interest in what you had to say or did they simply dominate the conversation?
As I sat down to write this post, the first thing I did was Google search “how our friendships affect our lives and our time.” After reading and researching, I came to one solid conclusion: our lives revolve around relationships. We depend on friendships; in fact we long for them.
One question I think we all need to ask ourselves is this: do our friendships build us up or tear us down? Are we investing our precious time with those who want to see us succeed or withthose who relish in our failures?
I’ve spent far too many hours (I’ll never get back) with people who never had my best interest at heart.


I believe with everything in me that God wants us to have friends who energize and love us for exactly who we are.
Who encourage us to chase our dreams.
Who smile with us when life is good and dust us off when we fall.
Who aren’t afraid to stand beside us when we really screw up.
I can think of a handful of friends who not only do this for me, but make me want to be that kind of 
friend for them in return.

So how do we determine which friends we should be devoting our time to? Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
1.
1. Do they give you energy and excitement?
2.
 . Do they inspire you to follow your dreams?
3.
  Are they invested in the things you tell them?
4.
  Are they trustworthy?
5.
  Do they make you want to be a better person?
Please don’t misinterpret what I’m saying. I would never encourage you to only spend your time with those just like you, nor am I saying our friends should always be upbeat and positive. I mean, what are friends for? We’re supposed to be there for one another in the worst of times.  
am saying, however, that there comes a point in everyone’s lifewhen we need to take a step back and ask ourselves if the peoplewe invest our time into are really worth it.
As humans, we desire healthy, steadfast relationships. We need relationships and moments with friends that help us refuel and give us perspective.
Who we spend our time with ultimately shapes us into who we are.
My desire for each of you is that you will find and cultivate relationships with people who love you for exactly who you are. Who think you are beautiful exactly as you are. And who will help make your time on this earth worth every second.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
-
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Alisha has a blog Reality Ponderings! Please check it out and read more about her and her heart!
Alisha is a fellow Western Carolina graduate, singer, and loves Jesus and coffee! I'm so blessed to have met her many years ago as camper and counselor and now as friends!












Check in next Tuesday for part 3!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Shout out Wednesday

I'm so ready for spring and summer! Not too many more weeks I hope! We will continue our "Knowing better equals Doing Better" series tomorrow. So excited to share all the tips and thoughts friends have been sending me. Join in anytime!
This week God has been reminding me He's doing a great work all day, everyday! He invites us to be a part of it! I sure don't want to miss out!  The following are some things I've read this week that's really helped connect the knowledge Gods working and For such a time as now for me to join.

If: equip.  This daily devotion and video has given me great scripture to read, reflect, and listen to others share their thoughts. I urge you to go to If:equip  and sign up for their daily emails! They are short but so powerful.

End it movement  tomorrow February 27 end it movement is shining a light on ending slavery. I've learned more about human trafficking through this organization and they are making a difference. Ill be wearing my X tomorrow to do my part and looking for other ways to support this group that's in the places girls, women, and men are being rescued each day!


Alisha Lambert is a friend of mine that we met at a camp I was a counselor at for many years. It's been fun watching her grow into a beautiful young lady who loves The Lord. She wrote a guest post 
on my friend Brooke's blog this week and just had to share.

Jen Hatmaker When I need a good laugh or want someone to just be real... I go read Jen. She's hilarious and very honest about her daily stories and life. It's refreshing!

Part 2 knowing better equals doing something better tomorrow!





Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Knowing better equals Doing Better


The purpose of this blog is to share my struggles, victories, thoughts, and share with you the people I'm learning from, other blogs, and the fun things I find along this journey.

Today we start part 1 of our two week series on TIME! There isn't a day that goes by that either someone or myself says, "If only I had more time!" God is really trying to refine this area in my life right now. As I've had discussions about this topic, I've realized it's an area we all work on daily! God is daily calling us to something greater and "For such a time as now!"


Wisdom is something we all want and I feel one great way to do this is by learning from others who have learned through their journey and are applying to their daily walk.
So in this series I'll be shining a spotlight on friends who have so graciously offered to share some of their tips and thoughts on time.
My friend Sarai Gilbert gave me a great idea for the title and a great story behind it."Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." Maya Angelou Time management is one of society's greatest mysteries. So, maybe if we knew better we would do better! Thanks Sarai! You won the Starbucks gift card!

Today's tips and thoughts on Time!

"I think time is a resource that we often take for granted (I know at least I do!) Something that has been important for me is to make to-do lists of the things I need to get done and when doing so, makesure I leave open space in my schedule. Leaving this space helps me to be spontaneous, go out for coffee and have great conversations with friends, take a family dinner, etc. I think these are activities that can oftentimes be overlooked, but I believe they are just as important ways to be spending our time."   Sarah Bonner
 

A recent graduate taking a year off before going back to school. She recently started her own website as a virtual assistant. Joyfully organized.  She's engaged and recently moved to North Carolina. 


"Tips for organization- I try to do at least one crockpot meal per week and I try to do at least one meal on the hefty side to allow for leftovers another night." Heather Plemmons
Heather is a wife, mom, teacher, and friend. She has such a servants heart and is always finding ways to serve others. She hosts a small group each week and is always sharing wonderful recipes and her own creations.

It's not too late for you to share your tips and thoughts about time! Whether a sentence or whole page, we can all share what we are doing to DO BETTER! Email or message me your tips!
Check in Thursday to learn about deposits of time. You don't want to miss it!












Monday, February 24, 2014

Things Coming Up

Hello friends! I hope your Monday has been more productive than mine! Been dealing with some health stuff all weekend and still recouping today!
Regardless though, I'm filled with joy and excitement from all the support and excitement with the launch of our Facebook page for She Dreams Ministries and the women's conference coming up in may.
I'm also excited about some projects I'm working on for the blog and contacts I'm making. In the next two weeks or more on Tuesdays and Thursdays I will be doing a series on time. Ill be sharing friends and new friends I've connected through blogs or Facebook groups I'm a part of about their thoughts of how they create time in their daily schedule to be with family, invest in others, use their time wisely, and their tricks and tips to accomplish more.
I hope you will enjoy not only getting to learn some tips to help you but to also get to meet new people, their dreams, and the ministries or blogs they may be a part of.
My challenge for you this week is to spread the word about our Facebook page and reach out to meet someone through this page or other blogs you might follow.
Check in tomorrow for our first post on this series of time. I need a name to call it so comment your ideas. The one I like best and pick will receive a Starbucks card!!
Have a great week!


Friday, February 21, 2014

Friday favorites

I'm so excited to share with you my Friday Favorites. I'm amazed everyday how much God loves me and wants my dreams to come true.
Today we launched our Facebook page for the ministry I helped create and am so excited about all the opportunities we will have to encourage others. We also have our flyer ready to help get the word out.


Our Facebook page is She Dreams Ministries.

With a crazy week at school, one of my highlights was when one of my students came up to show me what she keeps in her pocket. I about cried! Children show me the heart of God everyday!


I was excited to get my order in the mail from Emily Ley!! These task sheets are going to come in 
handy in preparing for upcoming events! With all the tasks and details I'm trying to organize, these task sheets have already been so useful. They are also very colorful! The picture I ordered because I loved the quote!


This week I was challenged to find joy in the journey but very thankful God reminded me that Joy is worth fighting for! Have a great weekend!
















Thursday, February 20, 2014

For such a time as this

When God called Moses to go to pharaoh and command him to let His people go.... He didn't call a masterful speaker. Moses stuttered!! God called a man who most would have seen as quite, disabled, and not courageous. 
A friend of mine reminded me of this story and its given me a lot of comfort knowing that God equips the called. He's called me for a great task and for such a time as this. I'm being called to use my voice to speak truth.
It's terrifying knowing I've been taken out of my comfort zone, a place I've never been before, stepping out in faith to speak what God has laid on my heart to share.
I'm sure there will be tears and trembling lips.... But Gods gone before me and laid the path. My words will not be fallen on deaf ears if Gods in this.
My friends I wish I could just sit with you tonight and share all that is stirring in my heart. God is taking this quiet, people-pleaser, non-confrontational girl and doing a huge work within me. I have joy even through the growing pains, even though I might be ridiculed, or even lose friends..... That He's doing this work in me so as to work through me for others to see Him.
So tonight I find comfort knowing Moses stuttered. Tomorrow will bring the challenge and my prayer is that I'm obedient.
Speaking truth isn't for the faint of heart. This following is a link to Ladans story. She's a women from Iran who is speaking truth even though it literally could cost her life.




Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Shout out Wednesday


As I find myself experiencing days that can be draining and sometimes hopeless, I long for something to fill me up with joy and peace. I know through this journey we aren't guaranteed happy days but what I hold onto is God is love and He is in control!
What I hope is that these shout out Wednesdays provide an extra place to go to get hope and encouragement through other people God is using. All that I share have spoke to me throughout the week. So friend, may you find Rest and hope in these words and songs!

Holy experience.  Ann Voscamp talks about why the battle of joy is worth it.

Small things blog Kate is my favorite blogger and shares so much on many different topics. If you've been thinking of starting a blog, check out her Q and A post about blogging.

Kari Jobe. Kari came out with her new single Forever and it brings tears of joy to my eyes every time I hear it.

Lysa Terkeurst. Lysa is doing a series on #BeaNoticer! Her thoughts on words and embracing your place I know will speak to many women!

Hannah Brecher   Hannah speaks on us holding on to our baggage.



Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Leading Well

Sitting outside on my porch today after school reading and soaking up the sun was exactly what I needed after a very busy day.
Yesterday I shared about Time being an area that God is using to teach and stretch me. Being challenged to learn how to be a leader and lead well is another place I feel that I'm being sharpened in and let me tell you friends..... I'm having growing pains!
I've thought back over my life and tried to find places that I was a leader. My birth order puts me as the oldest in a family of four girls. My twin sister and I did a lot together from birth to college. We played off each others strengths and I never felt one was more of a leader than the other.
I think us being the youngest in our class growing up caused me to be more a follower and it didn't open up a lot of opportunities to lead.
Having a people pleaser and a hate for confrontation type personality also has contributed to following instead of leading. Even in places I felt drawn that I was created to lead in.
Fear and insecurity can always stop us in our tracts when we start walking towards something different or stepping out in a different role that most people haven't seen us in.
I wish I could go ahead and share with you steps and a plan on how to lead well. Hopefully one day after I've walked through this journey I can.
In the meantime, I will share what I'm learning, what's working and not working, and people I see who are great examples of good leaders.
Again, this is a place that I know isn't just about me. He is preparing me for a greater purpose and my heart and prayer is Gods glory can be shown through this process. 
Stay tuned for updates as I walk through this journey.


Monday, February 17, 2014

Words to learn!

Was so excited to see the sun out the past few days! Sun vitamin C always encourages me to do something and smile!
I've had so many thoughts and things I'm processing that its hard to know where to start!
I have shared several times about my word of the year being Words! Words to encourage, create, and learn from. Gods really creating lots of places in my life right now to Learn. Three places in particular are time, leading well, and speaking truth.
Throughout this week ill go in more depth on each of these.
Today I want to share a little bit about what God is teaching me about Time. Lets go ahead and get one word out of the way that describes me: PROCRASTINATOR!!! I've dealt with this horrible trait for years. As I'm walking in the steps of faith towards my dream and preparing for the conference, God is using it to teach me importance of time and managing it.
What I'm learning more and more is its not for or about me. If I don't prepare well for this conference, it's not me failing... It's a missed opportunity of a woman being encouraged to say yes to her dream!
I'm learning to make boundaries in my time on social media, paying attention to details and organizing my tasks at hand. I'm learning how to carve and balance my time for Him, working on this conference, and daily life responsibilities!
So my Monday challenge is to share your story, tips, and thoughts on this subject of time! I know we can learn from each other and incorporate what others are doing that helps them live their lives to the fullest. You can email me your response and if I have your permission, ill share in next weeks series on time. 
I love how God is helping me see its not just about me that He's sharpening for.... But His glory and to use me so others may know Him!
Beth Moore gave an awesome talk on time at this past weekends passion 2014 conference. It's still up for you to see until Wednesday. It's session 4 in the middle. The feed kept catching so it may have to run a bit before you can watch it. 
Hope there are many sunny days for you this week!


Friday, February 14, 2014

Friday favorites

                                                  
Happy Valentines Day! I had a great day sharing with my students about how much I love them! We went around saying nice things about each other and it filled my heart up completely! I've learned over the years even being single on this day.... Giving love makes your own heart fill up!
Here are my Friday favorites!
  1. My attempt to making a snow shark created lots of laughter! In case you don't know, mines on the bottom.
       2. 
Toby Mac premiered his Speak Life video! It has become on of my favorites! It was on my shout out post this week as well!

3. This winter weather has been harsh on my skin. This lotion from philosophy is my favorite to use on my legs and arms!
4. My view this week!


I hope whether your single, dating, or married that you are able to give lots of love today and this weekend! Have a great weekend!








Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Shout out Wednesday

The snow is here! I'm using my time while stuck in the house to read, plan, and rest while I can. I love Wednesdays that I can share with you posts, books, or videos that I've read in the past week that has encouraged or spoken to me. I love watching others use their talents and it challenges me to keep pushing forward and allow God to reveal and strengthen mine.

  1. Today my favorite artist Toby Mac premiered his Speak Life video. I've heard this song many times but when I watched the video it all came together the meaning. My word for the year is "words". To encourage, learn, and speak with. This song helped remind me that I either breakdown or give life with my words.

  

    2.  If:equip is a site I'm reading each day that is providing daily scripture and video. I was able to stream live from home the If:Gathering conference and this is their follow up plan. God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called!

    3.  I follow several of the women who spoke at the If conference and I also met several new faces. 
Bianca is one of them. Her prayer she prayed after her talk was so encouraging. It's included in this post.   In the name of love

    4. An anthem for women  Ann Voskamp has been one of my favorite bloggers for years! She wrote this post after the If conference!

Please go check out the If:gathering! You can purchase the downloads of the conference. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Enjoy your snow day!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Embracing Your Place

As we are approaching The season of Valentines Day, I've been reminded of how the media and women are made to think about themselves during this holiday! Single girls feeling depressed because they don't have someone and to feel they have a huge red sign on their forehead marked loser, married women disappointed if their husband doesn't live up to the romantic expectations they have created in their minds, or for those who have lost someone whether in death or divorce.
I honestly have dreaded this holiday many times in the past because I fell in the trap of feeling sorry for myself!
But this year it's different! God is teaching me how to BE in the different phases and places in my life. I've gotten so caught up on waiting for Next that I've overlooked and missed out on the lessons and opportunities in the Now!
Maybe you are experiencing this whether in singleness, sickness, waiting for kids, loss or many other things we are "waiting" in. My prayer is that we start embracing our place and allowing God to use us wherever we are!
I'm choosing to use this Valentines Day to find ways to spread love to my family, friends, and others I see that need it!
Christine Caine spoke about this in an amazing message!  Check it out!
"Gods way doesn't make sense. You have to embrace your place. Where God can do what He wants to do in you so that He can do what He wants to do through you'" 



Monday, February 10, 2014

Time is Ticking

Snow or no snow? This has been the question of the day! As our school celebrated our 100th day of school, I couldn't help but wonder if we are going to get to finish these last 80 days quickly or not.
I was able to spend this weekend making more preparations for the Conference. I was able to watch live streaming from my home If: gathering conference. It was exactly what I needed to hear and experience! Such amazing women and speaking to encourage women to run their race! We are using the same scripture at our conference! I love how Gods moving all over the world. 
One thing I'm learning through this process is the importance of time and needing to use it wisely.
My days of being bored are over. I'm learning how to manage the tasks at hand and things to prepare for in the next couple of months. Any time you say yes to your dream, it's going to cost something. Right now mine is time. 
I'm working on managing distractions and pacing my week. Two ways I'm doing this is limiting my time on social media and using my Power sheets. These two things have helped me focus on my dream and the details to live it! 
My Monday challenge is that you take some time to reflect on how you are using your time and what is consuming most of your time. Every minute counts. I want to be a woman who uses the time that God is giving me and do something!
Stay safe and warm!

Friday, February 7, 2014

Friday Favorites

Loving the sunshine today! I love the feeling of Fridays and especially getting to share with you my Friday Favorites!
  1. Last Saturday was my nephew Maddox's birthday party! I love getting to spend time with all 3 of my nephews! They had so much fun playing together! Here is the birthday boy and I.
2. I'm all the time looking for cute and encouraging things to give to people when they need it. I found these online and bought a bag that came in the mail this week! I just love them and the story! 



3. One of my co-workers and friends brought me this one day this week! It was so thoughtful and I loved what it said!!
4. Most of you know how much I love Birchbox! This week I found another product that sends monthly boxes and was offering your first box to be free. So I took advantage of this great offer and tried it out! It's Julep nail polish and they offer several other beauty products. I LOVE the polish. The container is easy to hold and cute packaging. This is more expensive than birchbox so ill probably just do it every once in awhile! Go to their website and check it out! The offer is still good right now for a free box!  FREEBOX is the code!  Julep maven website


5. I started reading Restless this week! I highly recommend it! Check out her website and blog as well! Jennie Allen
I hope you all have a great weekend! Ill be working on lots of details preparing for the conference!:)




Thursday, February 6, 2014

My Heart

Been home today trying to recoup from some kind of bug. But I'm on the mend! While my body was resting my mind was running all over the place!
As I am running this race and I've been shown more direction, I'm seeing more and more of Gods heart. Today I've been praying not just for the women who will be attending the conference in May, but also women I'm in contact with everyday! One thing that has been on my heart today is being more aware of outside myself and more on others. Sometimes it's easy to be selfish and more concerned with my own circumstances!
Most of my friends know how I LOVE getting good seats at events! Almost to the anxiety mode that will overcome me before heading to the event! It's so easy to be focused on a particular thing, person, or how we feel.... That we miss out and overlook someone right beside us that needs our attention.
I want women who cross my path to feel loved and encouraged..... not overlooked or to feel left out!
I know I've been on both ends! The girl who was new at a church, school, or job and was sensitive enough to notice the subgroups already made and those who had no desire to let me in. The sad part is I have also been that person who was so comfortable in the place and didn't want to be concerned about getting out of my comfort zone to reach out to others!
All God wants is my heart! I know that when I'm giving Him all of me, He can help clear my focus and see through His eyes.
My prayer is that whether at the conference or in everyday life..... that I'm looking around me and encouraging others through my words, actions, and selfless acts.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Shout out Wednesday

Hello friends!! Wow has this week been busy! It doesn't look like ill be slowing down anytime soon but I'm loving what I'm doing!
Here are my shout outs for the week! I hope you can check them out!

  1. Small things blog If you haven't checked this blog out...... Go now!!! She has some great hair tutorials and I love the things she shares!
  2. Kari Jobe  Kari is one of my favorite singers and this song is going to be on her new album. It's beautiful!
  3. Emily Ley. I really hope I can somehow meet this girl one day! I just ordered their simplified planner and can't wait to start using it!
I hope your week will continue to go well! Be checking my speaking tab soon for some updates and speaking opportunities!

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Obedience

I have been overwhelmed by all the support, comments, and excitement that has come my way since sharing my dream yesterday! This whole experience is so humbling that God is calling me to do this! God is showing me that all He asks is us to be obedient and He will equip and guide our next steps!
My next steps in this journey is exciting but also overwhelming! 
The first thing on my plate is working on my talk. I am privileged to get the opportunity to work with Amy from the Proverbs 31 ministries in helping me develop and refine my talk. My prayer is that God will speak through me to encourage, empower, and revive the women who attend the conference.
My team and I are also working hard on the sessions/speakers and our website! Please join us in prayer as we work on all these details!
I hope more than anything that as you follow my journey in this dream that you will be encouraged to start searching and allowing God to reveal, remind, or equip your own dream!
A dear friend of mine sent me a message with this last night and has become my prayer and hope for you and those going to attend the conference.
"The whole"Dream" theme started me thinking of "I have A Dream" " thank God almighty I'm free at last!" You are becoming free as you speak these words and more women may become free as they find themselves "Worthy of the Dream!"
What an amazing hope and prayer!


Monday, February 3, 2014

Here's My Dream


Today I get to share with you some exciting news and how my dream God has given me is starting to take place!
About 10 years ago I knew I was suppose to speak. Speak to women and young girls to encourage them! I had no idea where, how, what, and when! Through the time my parents divorced, I started burying my dreams. I didn't really think they would come true! God has given me several opportunities to speak but still felt like there was something more!
In the past 6 months I've been very restless. Not knowing what's next or what my purpose was. 3 weeks ago God revealed a vision I was suppose to cast and pursue! I'm so excited and humbled God wants to use me!
So..... Here it is!
In May myself along with some great friends will be hosting a Women's conference here in Hayesville, NC! Date and place TBA soon! The purpose of this conference is to provide a place for women of all ages and stages to be reminded and encouraged they have been given a dream that only they can fulfill! Worthy Of The Dream is the theme! Very soon there will be a website up where you will learn all about it and have the opportunity to register!
I will be the keynote speaker and we will have breakout sessions, music, lunch, and so much more!! Please spread the word! I know this is so much bigger than me and I know God is going to do amazing things through this!
Please pray for the team putting this together and all the details! Pray I know exactly what to say!
It's time for us women to come alive and Run our race!
I will put a link to the website as soon as its up and running! Please email me if you have any questions!
God is doing a great work and I can't come down!:)