Most people want people to like them. Especially women. I used to be this person. If someone didn't like me for no good reason at all, it drove me nuts. Maybe they somehow got the wrong impression or whatever. Recently I dealt with this with someone I saw on a pretty regular basis. Last week was the climax, however, as this person said some pretty crazy stuff to me. Stuff that was just wrong and hurtful. He accused me of being someone I'm just not. And I don't mean one little thing. I mean he has the essence of who I am completely wrong. When I read his email (his confrontation method of choice), I literally almost had to laugh it was so ridiculous. Yes, I have since tried calmly and kindly defending myself. While the issue is (mostly) resolved for now, I could tell I never really got through to him, that he was going to feel that way regardless of what I said or did.
Sometimes it truly doesn't matter what you say or do... somebody just won't like you. That's when you realize - it's not about you. It's about them. It's about something inside of them that's troubled or threatened or simply not right. This being the case, there's nothing I can do to help the situation. This used to make me feel helpless, hopeless, and flat-out annoyed.
I finally realized there was no need to feel that way. It's out of my hands, and that's a good thing. Only God can change this person's heart. And I can pray for him. I can pray and in the meantime, be patient and not allow myself to be negatively affected by his words. When you realize this and truly do it, it lifts such a burden from you, and God replaces that burden with peace.
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44
My signature makeup look pretty much always involves natural peachy tones, and so naturally I was drawn to this set from Bare Escentuals. I'm typically not a gift set kind of purchaser, because I find that I usually don't like or use every single thing in the set, but this was not the case with BE's "Addicted to Peach."
It includes:
2 Ready eyeshadows, one loose eyecolor, an all-over face color, lip gloss, and mascara. Oh, and a super cute bag! Aside from the mascara, they're pretty much all peachy or neutral tones. I love every single thing. I'll also likely use some if not all of it for bridal makeup.
My favorite products are the all-over color in sweet peach radiance, which gives a lovely, slightly shimmery glow to the cheeks, and the Marvelous Moxie stylista lip gloss. The gloss is a soft peach color that would likely compliment any skin tone. I absolutely love how it feels on my lips... It has kind of a cooling effect and it lasts for a long time.
my first birthday, my mom in the back, my cousin John on the left, my brother on the right.
Naturally I thought a lot about my mom yesterday.
Sometimes I look back in regret at my teenage years because of how horribly I treated her at times. I was so selfish and caught up in my own little world, and like most teenagers, I thought my mom knew nothing. While I'm regretful about it, I know that I don't have to sit around feeling terrible because she forgave me a long time ago.
We were talking about restoration and redemption yesterday in small group at church, and I brought up my relationship with my mom. After we had those years of my stupidity, our relationship was restored and grew stronger than ever. She never brings up the times that I hurt her. She probably rarely thinks about it. It almost seems like another lifetime.
And that's just one of many ways my mom emulates Christ. We can pull away from him for some time and get to a point where we wonder if things will ever be restored. We can make mistakes that are so big in our eyes that we wonder how we'll ever be redeemed. How could he still love me, we ask? Not only does he redeem us, he gives us a chance at an even closer, stronger relationship with him. Instead of living in guilt and shame, we can live and walk with him in the light and beauty of newness, hope, love, and redemption.
Beautiful scenery behind the church of the conference I attended last week.
Can we say, Yikes?! This swarm was taken from my brother's back yard. They had 5 swarms last summer, which means this is probably the first of several! Eeek...
My sweet babies. They're so funny. Sometimes when I'm busy in the kitchen, they sit like this, curiously watching me. (Pups, if you think cooking and cleaning is interesting, I'll gladly let you take over.)
One of my favorite pictures EVER.
Been thoroughly enjoying the Snapseed pic editing app.
A shot from my new job. Yes, I'm taking on a third job. Because ya know, I'm Super Woman.
Or something.
Actually, it's kind of a summer job, but I've already started, which means until I finish teaching next week, my schedule is a little crazy. But once school finishes, I'll just be working here and at church.
It is a super cute boutique and I enjoy working there. And yes, I get a discount on clothes, which means one thing.
Sorry for the technically-Saturday-Friday five. I got back last night from a worship conference and was too pooped to do much. But I couldn't let the weekend go by without sharing with you...
For the first time I was able to attend the Inspire Worship Conference held in Nashville. My church sends its leaders to conferences each year for leadership growth (so, so grateful for that). It was incredible. First of all, to get to go and worship for two days as part of the congregation, learn from other leaders and worship bands, and experience deep and powerful worship was so refreshing.
I learned so much from the speakers and workshops, too. THIS, my friends, is an amazing woman. One of my favorite parts of the conference was a workshop with Jennie Lee Riddle, writer of Revelation Song and many other great ones... She taught us about writing songs specifically for the church.
This is Jennie's writing partner, Brandon Collins. Also amazing. I spoke with him for several minutes after the workshop and he was so encouraging to me.
I almost don't want to share this video because it's so special and sacred to me, but at the same time I want it to bless others...
Toward the end of the workshop, Jennie asked Brandon to come up and share an unpublished song they had recently written together. I urge you to listen through to the end.
I can't wait for them to publish this so that we can use it in worship. What a moving song! I was totally in tears.
Special guest Doyle Dykes came and played for us. This guy's talent is incredible. He played everything from How Great Thou Art (which I wish I had recorded) to Batman, which you'll see here. He's hilarious and most importantly, has a pure and humble heart of worship. Enjoy.
I left with my cup overflowing. I feel renewed and ready to begin implementing what I learned. So thankful for this experience.
