tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37390171042556009762024-02-18T21:31:28.099-05:00Lipstick on an Elephanta Christian mom's view on fashion, beauty and daily livinglipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-13044015703372932942019-05-08T13:19:00.000-04:002019-05-08T13:20:08.058-04:00Moms: First and Last and AlwaysMark 10:31<br />
" But many who are first will be last, and the last first. "<br />
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There are 3 references in the Gospels of this same phrase: in Matthew, here in Mark, and in Luke. I would say that gives it some significance and that we should at least ponder its meaning. I'm not going to give you the scholarly take, the pulpits take, or the biblical expert's explanation of this verse. You are lucky enough to be reading the Michelle interpretation/spin!! Yay!<br />
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What I see from this important message from Jesus, is that giving of one's self and putting others first is the way we need to go through life. We don't want to do it to gain first place or to receive an award as the most giving person or the most generous philanthropist, either. Or even, to get us in a better position in line at the pearly gates. As Christians, this should just be our modus operandi. We shouldn't even be thinking about our position or station in life, it should just flow naturally. I think too, that the most obvious example of this (other than Jesus, of course!) here on earth, is a mother.<br />
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Motherhood is certainly one of the most "last place" kind of positions that our society has. The pay, for one thing, is terrible!! As a matter of fact, it'll cost you; not only monetarily, but physically, and emotionally, as well. And, it's a lifetime commitment with not a lot of opportunities for advancement. Oh sure, you could possibly get promoted to Grandma, Gigi, Nana or Bubie someday, but you still hold the same title you currently held: Mother (in my case Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom, mom...etc and so on).<br />
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On the "first place" side though, motherhood has unbelievable benefits. You get to love. Love that grows and multiplies bigger, stronger and higher than you can ever imagine. You almost feel your heart could burst!! There are moments, too, that they love you back. AMAZE BALLS! (this phenomenon, seems to happen less when they are teenagers, but there are certainly those moments when you can still catch a glimpse). There's also the unbelievable pride that you feel. Sometimes it happens when you simply just watch your child dancing around in the living room, doing their homework, or catch them reading. Other times, it's bigger: watching them walk across the stage at graduation, getting their first job, having the people they work with or for telling you how amazing your child is, seeing them take a chance or a risk on a dream, and maybe (someday for me) telling you they found the love of their life and are going to have a baby of their own.<br />
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Lord, thank you for giving me the best/worst, first/last position in the world!<br />
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Here's a pic of the first person that made me a mom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcp-WunDwhYInT9amgmlrp6MqgtNScerSzQCAApuTScehPzFeuyUPZZyDJNpfsi8RjpE7tkBClu9Nwt9nuSPL9yDQ3_OyUM_ectKq3cXow2NNpNCAogjz8Z4PM41hwnzzGUfQ5k4jnHI/s1600/20160718_093049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcp-WunDwhYInT9amgmlrp6MqgtNScerSzQCAApuTScehPzFeuyUPZZyDJNpfsi8RjpE7tkBClu9Nwt9nuSPL9yDQ3_OyUM_ectKq3cXow2NNpNCAogjz8Z4PM41hwnzzGUfQ5k4jnHI/s400/20160718_093049.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
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And, the last.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3HVijylT8hsIEnf4GwsFOAw3xqibYM2N3suIFhgWehlZhkV4EAZuAguBeA479VvJ9upxRrL28Zs3fQJlEtsFGLjXUJQK9pB98_EsTOb-qvxf1sw36vLYRQLL0Z1aityeXNuRFHEE6vE/s1600/FB_IMG_1557277809553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3HVijylT8hsIEnf4GwsFOAw3xqibYM2N3suIFhgWehlZhkV4EAZuAguBeA479VvJ9upxRrL28Zs3fQJlEtsFGLjXUJQK9pB98_EsTOb-qvxf1sw36vLYRQLL0Z1aityeXNuRFHEE6vE/s400/FB_IMG_1557277809553.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2012</td></tr>
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I wanted to give you (and my husband and children...) a list of my top picks for Mother's Day, this year. It's been a lean shopping year for me, because of our house. So this year's picks will be given with a strict budget in mind.<br />
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This tote...yes, Walmart shoppers, I like <i>this</i> purse! and the price is right.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Time-and-Tru-Straw-Circle-Tote/207939626?selected=true">$16.97 Time and Tru Straw Circle Tote, Walmart</a><br />
Comes in various colors. They were out of this color online, but I found several in my local store.</td></tr>
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Towel sets. (*note to my family: NOT THIS COLOR!) We are finally to the stage where the bathrooms at the new house actually have tile and counters, so of course, my mind is currently decorating the bathrooms. There is nothing better than fresh new towels in a fresh new bathroom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="SONOMA Goods for Life™ 6-pack Ultimate Towel with Hygro® Technology" src="https://media.kohlsimg.com/is/image/kohls/3523118_Light_Green?wid=240&hei=240&op_sharpen=1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These towels are from Kohl's and come in 21 different colors. (look more at the blues please, family!)<br />
<a href="https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-3523118/sonoma-goods-for-life-6-pack-ultimate-towel-with-hygro-technology.jsp?color=Light%20Green&prdPV=8">Sonoma Goods for Life 6 Pack Towel with Hygro Technology, $64.99- Kohl's</a></td></tr>
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And, not expensive and local for me but they do have a website, these bath and body products...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV1R7bQGkw_3DRjqFyF9BoLAswylUftnlF14aUEorxnxfoRFnj0XHXgK94iR13-DLZOjMz6bJ3M8AlUBLHvRjXtbLF_DSM14vzC9X6eb3SeiJLKYvk8guo6n_dJlOigYKoge97CXuOaw/s1600/20190503_194007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV1R7bQGkw_3DRjqFyF9BoLAswylUftnlF14aUEorxnxfoRFnj0XHXgK94iR13-DLZOjMz6bJ3M8AlUBLHvRjXtbLF_DSM14vzC9X6eb3SeiJLKYvk8guo6n_dJlOigYKoge97CXuOaw/s320/20190503_194007.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://welcomehomechestertown.com/">Welcome Home</a> in Chestertown, MD. carries this wonderful array of lotions, soaps, <br />
and other bath and body products by Barr-Co. and K.Hall Designs. Prices vary.</td></tr>
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Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful mom, Paulette! and to all mom's! </div>
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Have a blessed day today, and celebrate on Sunday, the best, first, last and always job you'll ever love!!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-39042100001459853182019-05-01T15:10:00.002-04:002019-05-01T15:10:34.016-04:00The Milliner's Great-GranddaughterDaniel 3:21<br />
" Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. " <span style="font-size: xx-small;">ESV</span><br />
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This sounds terrible, doesn't it? You're dressed in your best outfit, feeling sharp, and then the king demands that you are thrown into a fiery furnace! Well, probably for anyone else, this story would have had a terrible ending. But here, in the book of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, are met in the furnace by "a son of the gods" and much to everyone's astonishment (probably their own as well), they walk out: completely unburned, with their clothing still intact, and they don't even smell like smoke! They were protected by God, because of their faith. Oh Lord, if we were judged solely on our faith, would we be burned? Don't answer, just pray on that one...<br />
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Today, I have been putting off for over 3 hours writing this post. And shockingly, I started to write a post last November that I never published! (it's a shame because it looks like it would have been a good one, too!). In fact, it hasn't just been 3 hours, it's been almost 6 months that I've been putting off writing anything. Why? Well, I guess I was afraid. Afraid my post wouldn't be good enough, afraid that no one would read it, afraid that there would be misspellings, grammatical errors, afraid that I would be too revealing about what was happening in my life, maybe not revealing enough, afraid <i>I</i> wasn't faithful enough, that you could see through my faithfulness or lack thereof.<br />
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It has been a long year and a half or more since we've moved to the eastern shore. Truly some very unpleasant things have happened in the building of our new home, but also some very special "God" moments as well. Personally, it has been draining as well. Children, no matter how wonderful, are just so darned draining!! Marriage is HARD! And, getting back to work or working at all when you have so much going on, is nearly impossible. But my God is the God of doing the impossible. So TODAY, May 1, 2019, I'm moving forward with God. He has created me for so much more. Ready or not, here I come.<br />
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Why is this post named "The Millener's Great-Granddaughter"? Well, that would be me. Unfortunately, I don't really know a lot about my Great-Grandfather. My grandfather never really talked about his family life as a child. I was fortunate to have met my Great-Grandmother, and his brothers and sister. I am also very grateful to know their children and some of their children. What I do know is that at the turn of the 20th century, my Great-Grandfather was a milliner in Baltimore. A man that made a living making and/or selling hats to men and women. Can you imagine someone making a living doing that today? I can!!<br />
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I was contacted by <a href="https://wallaroohats.com/">The Wallaroo Hat Company</a> to represent them to their wholesale customers. How fun is that? I love that it totally fits my lifestyle. Currently, I represent <a href="https://southwindapparel.com/">Southwind Apparel</a>, beautiful ladies clothing that is perfect for an active lifestyle, and <a href="https://www.rodanandfields.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwh6XmBRDRARIsAKNInDG9nZjXf0OHu22vQ94qxGibjUnR8xDWw5hGEVoXrVQin3qb7HSqF60aAl-_EALw_wcB">Rodan + Fields</a>, skincare products. What do all of these things have in common? Believe it or not, these are <i>all</i> skincare products! Yep. Southwind Apparel's clothing is UPF50 rated and not only do you obviously get some sun protection from wearing any hat, but many of Wallaroo's hats are also UPF50+ rated!! Skincare can be fashionable, too!<br />
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Let me also just say something else. Each one of these companies: Rodan + Fields, Southwind Apparel, and Wallaroo Hat Company have been started by strong, smart, and talented WOMEN!!! Yeah, you go girls!! I pray that one day my daughters will be able to describe me that way, too.<br />
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Here are some shots of me in some of my great new hat samples. Click on the <a href="https://wallaroohats.com/">link</a> to view the catalog to see many more beautiful fashionable hats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j8BAv5DcEsR8yPR2o7xUPZQeNHU7rZRqDoS9MY-1UuzzjIYDxM4aixIe4Lhv90IMZe1OmK5OlUKK3ECJlae0YKciHMdeU-j4IINAiFif6dU_z-EIbRgcNttRXgRB2h1wa_rQ6_rxQ0E/s1600/20190501_143928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1435" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7j8BAv5DcEsR8yPR2o7xUPZQeNHU7rZRqDoS9MY-1UuzzjIYDxM4aixIe4Lhv90IMZe1OmK5OlUKK3ECJlae0YKciHMdeU-j4IINAiFif6dU_z-EIbRgcNttRXgRB2h1wa_rQ6_rxQ0E/s320/20190501_143928.jpg" width="287" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW2mU49JbNj1SHaJOOTrr0-osxbM_3yCbPi-H7IgLWlGFWqq9gheC2cBDEql-F-yKcgq5gLxlR0U7rK54z-KG5FiuYcvLqnZCBDjcAiP4MOakEXYHmFQQFlSHkPMuoyidfuIyOQY7tYI/s1600/20190430_165248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW2mU49JbNj1SHaJOOTrr0-osxbM_3yCbPi-H7IgLWlGFWqq9gheC2cBDEql-F-yKcgq5gLxlR0U7rK54z-KG5FiuYcvLqnZCBDjcAiP4MOakEXYHmFQQFlSHkPMuoyidfuIyOQY7tYI/s320/20190430_165248.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This fedora is called <a href="https://wallaroohats.com/collections/mens-fedora-hats/products/palmer">Palmer</a>. It's in the "Men's Collection", but these are great for men and women!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH8An_IecptGF6MMxffdH23eFoOTLlCG7U7psg4wHuhPSvPjjfBWxhzfA824K9vemCVo3tI7fN3WcGxXPICBTtb1MZVzanjJm9pQRq2d45RZ-srJL3EA5kRCVMfFtXgNcq23WKo_X2_Q/s1600/20190501_111210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="903" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRH8An_IecptGF6MMxffdH23eFoOTLlCG7U7psg4wHuhPSvPjjfBWxhzfA824K9vemCVo3tI7fN3WcGxXPICBTtb1MZVzanjJm9pQRq2d45RZ-srJL3EA5kRCVMfFtXgNcq23WKo_X2_Q/s320/20190501_111210.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This hat, also a fedora, is the <a href="https://wallaroohats.com/collections/womens-the-w-collection/products/monterey">Monterey</a> from "The W Collection"</td></tr>
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I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday!</div>
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<br />lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-6295675237314681532018-08-22T11:14:00.000-04:002018-08-22T11:40:53.830-04:00She's Leaving!Proverbs 22: 6<br />
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."<br />
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Well, I'd like to say that this verse rings so true in my life. I'd like to say that each and every one of my beautiful children have been raised in an upright, perfectly Christian home and setting and that every day I have absolute assurance that each one of them is perfectly happy, healthy, wealthy and wise. NOT! On either count. I know that I am certainly full of sin, faults, worry, and frustration. And I know, too, that my children have had more than their fair share of hard times.<br />
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But, what I do have is HOPE. Yes, folks, hope. Committing your life to Christ isn't an instant cure-all for all of life's problems. But what it gives me is hope. Even though I have had major parenting fails, my children have a heavenly father that loves them and has a plan for each one of them. He will not leave them or disappoint them. He has already given them the ultimate gift of His Son. I will still worry, mess up, get angry, and yes, still sin (because of all of my humanness!). But my hope comes from the Lord!!<br />
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So, what brought all of this on? Well, after 28 years of parenting, I will be alone in September. My youngest is going to kindergarten. And, if that won't be hard enough, I have a senior in high school this year as well. My baby boy (who is actually almost 17) is going to graduate next spring. I'd like to say that I will be doing a happy dance when they all get on the bus in a couple of weeks, but I know how emotional I get, so I will probably be a wreck!!<br />
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The highlight of getting ready for back-to-school has definitely been shopping for my little girl! She's old enough to have an opinion, but still young enough that I get to have a lot of input. Yay!! I love input! (control, whatever!)<br />
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Here are a few things we have for her so far for this school year.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did some great bargain shopping at <a href="https://www.marshallsonline.com/">Marshalls</a>.<br />
She insisted that she needed this <a href="http://www.peppapig.com/">Peppa Pig</a> outfit.<br />
It's sparkly and adorable, just like my girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9qLzDQDMpqt4HG2rVSFiK-GYNqLmpZS-Q-SXrSF22Y4SWrxTgDqzAXQ4JEDGX3y-7TZDxuMAsx1Xvm84X4N02OOPQsImMq8pwj05y85hO2dVFlBmpIVZjTq85mII9AIjyBqiYYdQS18/s1600/20180819_105358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9qLzDQDMpqt4HG2rVSFiK-GYNqLmpZS-Q-SXrSF22Y4SWrxTgDqzAXQ4JEDGX3y-7TZDxuMAsx1Xvm84X4N02OOPQsImMq8pwj05y85hO2dVFlBmpIVZjTq85mII9AIjyBqiYYdQS18/s400/20180819_105358.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dress will be perfect for her first few weeks in school.<br />
The temps stay pretty high here until October<br />
(sometimes even November and December!).<br />
Love the asymmetrical hem!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YyMVRxGYtTbKmzyVuRsE0mXKNFB0Qo7_ZyQUR-CyblVrehH9YXQ7U9g-VTvih2sPERar6lv6SK9kerK3hkXjQJJJvJqmUpt728EvSGrPj1aMfBtdSKUl-5rdnDa75aQYrbEok_zc19Y/s1600/20180819_104540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YyMVRxGYtTbKmzyVuRsE0mXKNFB0Qo7_ZyQUR-CyblVrehH9YXQ7U9g-VTvih2sPERar6lv6SK9kerK3hkXjQJJJvJqmUpt728EvSGrPj1aMfBtdSKUl-5rdnDa75aQYrbEok_zc19Y/s400/20180819_104540.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is her goofball pose.<br />
This 2 piece outfit will be perfect for chilly mornings and air-conditioned classrooms.<br />
We purchased all 3 of these outfits for under $30 at <a href="https://www.marshallsonline.com/">Marshalls</a>!<br />
What a deal!</td></tr>
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When you save money somewhere you can splurge a little somewhere else! I love these <a href="https://www.spunkwear.com/category-s/1911.htm">Spunkwear</a> dresses for my girl. They are UPF 50, moister wicking keeps her dry and comfortable, and they are made in the USA. Not to mention, they are ADORABLE!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyDImss268Xr9zh5_Nu683mWjtE_udw8Ly2nBNVjdXf0D_UVCoMd2a4P3UGh0O8t4VHOCZQcqARFbhbOpp4pFU1by8AFbcoCwCu29iDc5d_6yu-Tdg4xiiYvLv3EsKrCvNuePx-cw16s/s1600/20180525_124847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyDImss268Xr9zh5_Nu683mWjtE_udw8Ly2nBNVjdXf0D_UVCoMd2a4P3UGh0O8t4VHOCZQcqARFbhbOpp4pFU1by8AFbcoCwCu29iDc5d_6yu-Tdg4xiiYvLv3EsKrCvNuePx-cw16s/s640/20180525_124847.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the <a href="https://www.spunkwear.com/category-s/1911.htm">Girls Original Dress</a> in Hot Pink Crab. Preppy Crab and Carolina Crab are available online.<br />
You can even get a matching dress or skort for yourself!!<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Use code <span style="color: #cc0000;">MICHELLESHIP</span> for free shipping!</span></td></tr>
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Enjoy your babies, one day you'll turn around and they'll be off to school!</div>
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I hope your day is full of blessings!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-54819140392710103962018-05-11T14:39:00.001-04:002018-05-11T14:39:04.084-04:003000 StepsPsalm 37: 23-24<br />
" The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. "<br />
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<br />
I have a FitBit. I got it as a Mother's Day gift last year from my daughter (her father helped, too!). I have been noticing lately, that usually by 7:30 in the morning I have walked about 3000 steps, that's about 1-1/2 miles of walking. I am not taking a morning run in this time, I do however walk my dogs up and down the block, so that does account for some of the steps. Running up and down the steps to get my teenage son out of bed in the morning does account for a good bit of the steps, too, LOL!<br />
<br />
Where are my steps taking me? Am I choosing the right path? Should I walk away? Should I run? Can I walk back? Steps.<br />
<br />
When we walk on sand, like at the beach, our steps are harder to take. When we walk on a path in the woods and it's uneven terrain, we can sometimes stumble.When we walk on solid firm ground walking is so much easier. I sometimes have nightmares where I am either running away from something or running to catch up to something ,and I don't have the strength to run anymore and so I crawl and pull my way. Steps.<br />
<br />
This year has brought so many changes, some of them easy, and some of them hard. I have walked steps I didn't know I would walk. There are paths that I have not yet taken, paths I thought I knew the direction I was taking, only to get miserably lost. Some of the wrong paths have taken me to beautiful places that I didn't expect to find. I find, that wherever my steps lead me, even when I go off on my own, I have the assurance that my God is always near me. Like a child lost in the woods, I cry out and my Father will find me, setting me back on the path that is firm.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Lord, that though, I may stumble along in my life, your hand is always there to uphold me.<br />
<br />
Mother's Day this year...well, I haven't given it a lot of thought, it seems to have come up really fast. My biggest desire, right now, is for my house to be done. That will certainly NOT happen by Sunday! So here are a few other suggestions for anyone who might be reading this...for YOUR mom, of course!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, including Michelle Genovese, people smiling, people standing, child and outdoor" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/30709272_10155705304044401_9206182710152790016_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=AeGzW5DfQBbv09uq0SRq2Kmp4Ym7lb65xMAwY_L5duRPmagUnZhqev1tG6GLrpZO0-F4D644qU7PTdgbton1E3oWA89jBLnt85huGr6FFpdbmg&oh=9988b912ccf068b51be3956bf5179fbf&oe=5B84E232" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my baby girl!! <br />These great dresses by <a href="https://southwindapparel.com/">Southwind Apparel</a> are an adorable mother-daughter combo!<br />For FREE shipping on these dresses and so many other great dresses, skorts, pants, etc...<br />use this code: MICHELLESHIP<br />at <a href="https://southwindapparel.com/">Southwind Apparel</a> and <a href="http://www.spunkwear.com/category-s/1912.htm">Spunkwear</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Light Within Me (B&N Exclusive Signed Book)" src="https://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9780062857200_p0_v4_s550x406.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Ainsley Earhardt, and I can't wait to read this book about her journey of faith.<br />Get your copy here: <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-light-within-me-ainsley-earhardt/1127027556?ean=9780062857200&st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_New+Core+Shopping+Books_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP164974&gclid=CjwKCAjw_tTXBRBsEiwArqXyMh57X0DTlNf0oi7m-k5s-6s3-kxXUZnT7jY0X1hF0_BjkyRBIIan2hoCH8gQAvD_BwE#/">Barnes & Noble</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image of Fossil Women's Rounded Browbar Sunglasses" height="320" src="https://www.hautelookcdn.com/resizer/434x650/products/FOS2029S/large/8427597.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="213" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or, maybe a pair of sunglasses!<br />Like these from <a href="https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/2422267/fossil-womens-rounded-browbar-sunglasses?color=0EB7-B1">Nordstrom Rack</a>! </td></tr>
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I pray you have a blessed Mother's Day weekend!!</div>
lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-91732488107962518572018-01-29T09:22:00.000-05:002018-01-29T09:22:57.219-05:00Ode to JoyPsalm 16: 11<br />
"In your presence is fullness of joy"<br />
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Wow! It's been over 3 months since I sat down at this computer and wrote anything except a quick FB or IG post. Where did the time go? Was it truly full of joy for me and my family? Full?? No way! Were there joyous moments? Absolutely. I have to say that the busyness of settling my family into a new town with new schools and of course, starting at the end of October, the busyness of the holiday season, took it's toll on me. Mostly, though, the true drain for me, has been our new home. Here's a pic of what our new home looked like at the beginning of January...<br />
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<img alt="Image may contain: one or more people, sky and outdoor" height="360" src="https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26055927_10155422174704401_5899683761106433974_n.jpg?oh=ab95652c48b6e65fc8cec0010d634747&oe=5B1DF5B5" width="640" /><br />
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and this is what it looks like now...<br />
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<img alt="Image may contain: one or more people, sky and outdoor" height="360" src="https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/26055927_10155422174704401_5899683761106433974_n.jpg?oh=ab95652c48b6e65fc8cec0010d634747&oe=5B1DF5B5" width="640" /><br />
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OK, you got me, it's the same picture. but truthfully, NOTHING has changed!<br />
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This house has truly been the albatross around my neck. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Just when I feel like I am going to move on in faith and hope, something else happens. We are now down another builder. I didn't share this with you before, but the last builder was to have us under roof by the end of October, and we are still not under roof. The first week in January he packed up all of his things (unbeknownst to us) and left the job. No roof, no windows...certainly no joy here.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I haven't given up (although some days my husband calls me "Debbie Downer"!), but it is certainly not what I had hoped and dreamed for, for my family (and of course myself!).<br />
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So, in the beginning of the year, in my devotionals, I was to pray about a word that would somehow define my year. And, the word that kept coming up for me was JOY. What??? JOY??? Yep, joy. Well, Lord, here I go. I am stepping out in faith today, and tomorrow, knowing that this year, there IS joy. That this year and beyond, the joy that I am seeking does not come from this acre lot and this unfinished house. It comes from You, Lord, just from You. The full verse in Psalm 16 is this,<br />
<br />
" You show me the path of life;<br />
in your presence is fullness of joy;<br />
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore"<br />
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Amen.<br />
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<br />lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-55265061193889755282017-10-16T13:27:00.000-04:002017-10-16T13:27:01.103-04:00H is for October!?1 Corinthians 13:6<br />
" Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. "<br />
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I certainly didn't mean to mislead you with my post title today. If I have offended or confused you, I am truly sorry. And that's the truth! Are you rejoicing?? That's the hardest type of sin to confess, isn't it? If we don't know we have sinned, then how can we confess it? Fortunately we have wonderful prayers that help us to cover these types of situations. Here's one that I rely on.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">"Most merciful God, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">we confess that we have sinned against thee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">in thought, word, and deed,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">by what we have done,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">and by what we have left undone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">We have not loved thee with our whole heart;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">We are truly sorry and we earnestly repent.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">have mercy on us and forgive us;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">that we may delight in thy will,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">and walk in thy ways,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">to the glory of thy Name. Amen. "</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";">I borrowed this from the <a href="https://www.bcponline.org/HE/penord1.html">Book of Common Prayer</a>. While I no longer attend an Episcopal Church (a story for another day!), the resource of the prayer book is still invaluable to me. We can't escape sin, but if we confess each day and follow this simple "formula", we can cover in prayer, those sins that are less obvious to us. Lord, forgive my sins, things I have done, those things I have left undone, and those things that I don't even realize that I have done. Forgive me, Lord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "goudy old style";"><br /></span>
So now, to the fun!! <b><span style="color: orange;">H</span></b> is for October because there are (and have been), so many fun things that begin with H this month that make me <b><span style="color: orange;">Happy</span></b>! First, this is our first October in a new town. Each year, here in Chestertown, they have a <b><span style="color: orange;">HP Festival</span></b>! No, not Hewlitt Packard, Harry Potter!! And as coincidence would have it, the little girls and I had just decided to re-read (read for Frankie) the Harry Potter book series. So we were ready to hit the streets in our wizard robes and wands. Here's a pic of my very favorite wizard at our first HP Festival.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOojbfZxoXEVBjY39zaWgXcVgFlYfPnDZxU17qH87kSmoZ6A-w5zjBmiY2646IZnI-oEiAgq6YfeHBmzzDO0MHnT6gGCe92b-nBvrfVO_pU25Ci1QV1Jt7AEazl88gg0INCLwcf4pnBGA/s1600/20171007_125324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOojbfZxoXEVBjY39zaWgXcVgFlYfPnDZxU17qH87kSmoZ6A-w5zjBmiY2646IZnI-oEiAgq6YfeHBmzzDO0MHnT6gGCe92b-nBvrfVO_pU25Ci1QV1Jt7AEazl88gg0INCLwcf4pnBGA/s640/20171007_125324.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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We also have been busy with <b><span style="color: orange;">HoCo</span></b> (Homecoming), 2 weekends worth! My son went to Homecoming at his former high school with his beautiful girlfriend. And, my beautiful daughter went to her first Homecoming dance at her new high school with a group of friends. Here are some cute pics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOVIkahjm5twaY191XVjwFcMFIrla43MUhGEULPUoSv-68mShzBdltSKtNgfW7IYG1Fc-iiaNBOQyZHWNg35LH2ya4KaCL74vY7UaMaryx73Rmk1p25hO1pOxJsDCWytNOmLjp-iKLqs/s1600/26156.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOVIkahjm5twaY191XVjwFcMFIrla43MUhGEULPUoSv-68mShzBdltSKtNgfW7IYG1Fc-iiaNBOQyZHWNg35LH2ya4KaCL74vY7UaMaryx73Rmk1p25hO1pOxJsDCWytNOmLjp-iKLqs/s320/26156.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTWUAbXVZky2jkO1VgA8qJBBvyCYsHHmCdItLjHbax9hbj_0DRsR5o49NDv-UBohhTagAe-7tcglBB74zws89k3I_i6qf5l10mZsWKsWOtQ7B_iHwO3-p1dqTWBh95vXbn-ysNvv3en0/s1600/26470.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbTWUAbXVZky2jkO1VgA8qJBBvyCYsHHmCdItLjHbax9hbj_0DRsR5o49NDv-UBohhTagAe-7tcglBB74zws89k3I_i6qf5l10mZsWKsWOtQ7B_iHwO3-p1dqTWBh95vXbn-ysNvv3en0/s320/26470.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girl is on the left.</td></tr>
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Then, on Saturday, my 2nd oldest daughter had a birthday. So, H is for <b><span style="color: orange;">Happy Birthday</span></b>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78ejAWZp57Oy23IUiYUfr6jzE0NdAv4_9zUqO68eN4LmrwVftWeuV9UXzkVToPk0ggrYj5-pqmBk0IbSNDeBJ2kvT478RRsFbZ_IFq7_SpVwxbKtXUcPFRtTyHwpTpqf3I4EWwZj2OgE/s1600/Screenshot_20171016-130755.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78ejAWZp57Oy23IUiYUfr6jzE0NdAv4_9zUqO68eN4LmrwVftWeuV9UXzkVToPk0ggrYj5-pqmBk0IbSNDeBJ2kvT478RRsFbZ_IFq7_SpVwxbKtXUcPFRtTyHwpTpqf3I4EWwZj2OgE/s640/Screenshot_20171016-130755.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a cute pic of my parents and 5 of my babies.<br />
My birthday girl is front and center!</td></tr>
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And, finally, we have to look forward to <b><span style="color: orange;">Halloween</span></b>!! We love dressing up in costumes and trick-or-treating. Here's what my 4 year old wants to be this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Child Dawn of Justice Wonder Woman Costume" src="https://images.halloweencostumes.com/products/38636/1-2/child-dawn-of-justice-wonder-woman-costume.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found this costume here- <a href="https://www.halloweencostumes.com/child-dawn-of-justice-wonder-woman-costume.html">HalloweenCostumes.com</a></td></tr>
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I <b><span style="color: orange;">hope</span></b> you have a <b><span style="color: orange;">happy</span></b>, <b><span style="color: orange;">harmonious</span></b>, <b><span style="color: orange;">healthy</span></b>, start to your week!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-31519322635527346262017-10-05T11:35:00.000-04:002017-10-05T11:35:12.598-04:00Living the dream!Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV)<br />
" And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.' "<br />
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I am definitely a visual learner. I really need to see something to understand. Just hearing someone tell me about it is not going to do it for me, I won't retain it. It's gone. If I can see it, or touch it and feel it, or experience it, I've got it. God knows that some of us need more than just to be told what to do, we need more than a good Sunday sermon. We need time to figure things out. We need to make mistakes, we need to have experiences, we need to see what He has put before us, He has to light with clarity the path we need to take. Even Habakkuk was commanded to write down God's word and post them, so that people could see the words that God had spoken. Thank you, Lord, for showing us, leading us, and teaching us your will for us. Thank you for coming to us, just where we are.<br />
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Yesterday, I had an experience that I could only have dreamed of as a young woman. And now, as a (let's just say)<i> mature </i>woman, I can certainly appreciate it that much more. I was invited to come to a meet and greet for a local clothing company, and be a MODEL!!! Now, to be clear, I don't know if any of the pictures that were taken of me last night will ever be seen by anyone outside of their offices. If they do, I'll certainly let you know, but truly, I felt so beautiful and blessed by the experience that if it doesn't happen, that will be OK. If someone had told me that this would happen to me, I probably wouldn't have believed them. The only pictures I have posed for taken by a professional photographer, were school and wedding pictures. I never even did a Glamour Shot in the 80's! Most of the pics you see of me on this blog are taken by me or my children.<br />
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The lesson that I learned last night was, had I not acted on this opportunity, it wouldn't have happened. Just like this blog, and so many other opportunities and blessing in my life, I didn't just hear about what could happen or what was possible. I had to put my fears and insecurities aside, make a plan, and take a chance. One of the other ladies last night said, that she could now check off- be a model, on her bucket list. I'm going to use this opportunity, to continue to push forward and visualize and realize some other goals in my life. We are given such short years here on earth, I don't want to waste my time wallowing in unbelief and fear. God gave me so much to use and share, it's time to start doing, it's time to run. It's time to live the dream!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekQRYDeZkcTm2Ts_s5SDLRAJXxgIVSlJiDFjvia9wTYMopDOyOk-OlE9EY2lw9vnNJzX4gYQYpq-trVtQLbNM5y6CivResbQquBlGa8L-5iYmnWdtNEi4Tjul_Z6nQAN1CpIAI-yzyjE/s1600/20171004_182532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekQRYDeZkcTm2Ts_s5SDLRAJXxgIVSlJiDFjvia9wTYMopDOyOk-OlE9EY2lw9vnNJzX4gYQYpq-trVtQLbNM5y6CivResbQquBlGa8L-5iYmnWdtNEi4Tjul_Z6nQAN1CpIAI-yzyjE/s400/20171004_182532.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am!! This was the first dress that I was photographed in.<br />It's so comfortable and it has pockets!!<br />Behind me is the designer/creator of this amazing local clothing brand<br /> and some of the fabulous women she has on her team. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ODaE8u7CBOkFpDZ3VpMGneSSy04iXcDN_sljV_BnK9eIIf9Y5-gwfyWxdDgJeyhD_vPQpoOMLw6H95cUjufvsirPhAQKh0ze9iq2IhG-Q2ul0Q6hOOhMIFBrHITrKR4K4WQhUsy0voY/s1600/20171004_182447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ODaE8u7CBOkFpDZ3VpMGneSSy04iXcDN_sljV_BnK9eIIf9Y5-gwfyWxdDgJeyhD_vPQpoOMLw6H95cUjufvsirPhAQKh0ze9iq2IhG-Q2ul0Q6hOOhMIFBrHITrKR4K4WQhUsy0voY/s320/20171004_182447.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, when you are a "professional" model (lol), they bring out the good snacks!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYl8qCrwIYSIVCHNa5KIkuiu4mvPiG-tkQJrJAEX_0e7lqOVEQfUahFaS-ewVBk19N6FkV7vMiVpOYUXNcR9w60oclDIAVD63yBoaWuYJ6SJ888jQTHUSv8ZOz1zYm1SGM7boU03w6pc/s1600/20171004_190725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYl8qCrwIYSIVCHNa5KIkuiu4mvPiG-tkQJrJAEX_0e7lqOVEQfUahFaS-ewVBk19N6FkV7vMiVpOYUXNcR9w60oclDIAVD63yBoaWuYJ6SJ888jQTHUSv8ZOz1zYm1SGM7boU03w6pc/s400/20171004_190725.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my 2nd outfit!<br />Can you tell I'm having fun??<br />I didn't take a pic of my 3rd outfit, it was the same top with a skirt that matches the first dress.<br />So comfy, so cute!<br /></td></tr>
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Have a blessed Thursday!! Run after those dreams. Truly live the life that you've been given. </div>
<br />lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-18003850638365635032017-09-26T14:07:00.003-04:002017-09-26T21:50:48.322-04:00The Chestertown BluesJoshua 1:9<br />
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."<br />
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It's amazing to me how I am constantly getting a word or a verse, just when I need it. Not surprising amazing; awe inspiring amazing. In the Bible, I find words, verses, and stories and phrases that touch my heart and feed my soul. These are the words of God, so of course they are given to us for just that purpose. (Although, I have to admit that sometimes these same words confuse the heck out of me??!? Is there a Bible for Dummies,yet?). Thank you, Lord, for your word. It brings light into my darkness, it speaks love and comfort to my heart. Amen!<br />
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So...I've been away for a while. Have you noticed??<br />
There have been so many times when I wanted to sit at my computer and write, but I have been soooooo busy. Here's the rundown.<br />
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-I started watching a cute baby boy in March (so stinkin' cute: never slept!)<br />
- one word- SKINCARE!<br />
- another word (or two) We MOVED!!<br />
-kids started new schools in a new county<br />
-Football (<a href="http://ipstickonanelephant.blogspot.com/2015/07/mr-football.html">Mr. Football</a> made varsity this year!)<br />
-building a new home (longgggg story!!! definitely for another day)<br />
-stress, depressed, anxious (all these feelings take a LOT of time!)<br />
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I have definitely got a case of the Chestertown Blues. Why Chestertown? That's the name of our new town (temporarily). Why blue? Two reasons: One, I've been missing my family, friends, moving in general...SUCKS!!! Two: my favorite color is blue and I have seen so much beauty here, it gives me comfort. And of course, that beauty has been coming to me in lovely shades of blue. Enjoy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVmZf6SVx8VL9F6FOz7Ep4v_k-dfZg-TEZjCmbnWyOpR2KpOxVWijKaG0iH0Phak03_qlqzuJlxmgtrJQDuX-fhK5BktryFrB7ZmSbW9VkGImXkjkVzl64-C1Nr75vmX1skeIU5N7NIQ/s1600/20170918_153409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVmZf6SVx8VL9F6FOz7Ep4v_k-dfZg-TEZjCmbnWyOpR2KpOxVWijKaG0iH0Phak03_qlqzuJlxmgtrJQDuX-fhK5BktryFrB7ZmSbW9VkGImXkjkVzl64-C1Nr75vmX1skeIU5N7NIQ/s640/20170918_153409.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The houses here are painted in such beautiful colors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskRbRfaXO7o6nJPVN4w80jFrBF_4xP3QHpmSLfQZGeqs_Xa_TeKdI6u31UxaBaKnxq6VczNb9vG-0HiBDuG-fWpkcsKbQ0GTZFhrWtnPMpJilfs00NhluTqMdogD4GGINrPktL_G_6GQ/s1600/20170702_160344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskRbRfaXO7o6nJPVN4w80jFrBF_4xP3QHpmSLfQZGeqs_Xa_TeKdI6u31UxaBaKnxq6VczNb9vG-0HiBDuG-fWpkcsKbQ0GTZFhrWtnPMpJilfs00NhluTqMdogD4GGINrPktL_G_6GQ/s640/20170702_160344.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, you know, just a view of the river at the end of my street!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8EfSR8WzdBRH_BQZQ4pR0Fcys0I1JuJ9MxOq_wdo3Re0Pd6u5bujJj7DmKfZmogQG3Xb4V2KK_2t3lASsC7W2t6kSRDL21DiyAy8pdmUqdeBu69mOe8A7kMZfKGL63kAgSKNNgr15fU/s1600/Screenshot_20170926-134206.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8EfSR8WzdBRH_BQZQ4pR0Fcys0I1JuJ9MxOq_wdo3Re0Pd6u5bujJj7DmKfZmogQG3Xb4V2KK_2t3lASsC7W2t6kSRDL21DiyAy8pdmUqdeBu69mOe8A7kMZfKGL63kAgSKNNgr15fU/s400/Screenshot_20170926-134206.png" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My world is blue. This girl, is my world!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_Ln9c9dFFLriMs5QlT51e2yRpMPSV8Jzivd6A5xqBaHYI_w-RYsNKXHfRZCvdFno8b88Smme8VJMwzYtPsJjdPjKIScffNFvQoaOQZ1YktLfBToenN9NvXc0Ctzwwfr3TEKYF95Lvsc/s1600/20170918_175221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_Ln9c9dFFLriMs5QlT51e2yRpMPSV8Jzivd6A5xqBaHYI_w-RYsNKXHfRZCvdFno8b88Smme8VJMwzYtPsJjdPjKIScffNFvQoaOQZ1YktLfBToenN9NvXc0Ctzwwfr3TEKYF95Lvsc/s400/20170918_175221.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to get one in of my cute blue outfit.<br />
(I'll fill you in on the details of this dress in another post!)</td></tr>
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The beauty of this waterfront town overwhelms me. I drive across the Chester River every morning at sunrise to get the children to their bus stops. And, around every corner is another charming house or adorable little local shop. Blue definitely suits me!!!<br />
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I'm so excited to be back! I can't wait to fill you in on all that has been, and <i>is</i> going on in my life!!!</div>
<br />lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-54238790993983265722017-04-27T11:26:00.000-04:002017-04-27T11:26:34.334-04:00Gone with the windEcclesiastes 1: 14<br />
" I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. "<br />
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Oh my goodness, I started to type this post a couple of weeks ago. I've been so busy, that I haven't been writing a lot lately. This topic came to me because, literally, from all of the wind we've had late in the winter and early this spring. Just when I thought the wind was dying down, it would pick right back up again. The linen bow on my front door wreath blew away a couple of weeks ago,so frustrating!! The temperature has been fluctuating up and down dramatically; hence the wind. Today is going to be in the 80's, and it'll be cooler again next week.<br />
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When I started to type this a few weeks ago, I was going to write about the Holy Spirit. I often think of the Spirit rushing down and through the house as a mighty wind where the apostles had gathered. I would love to feel the God's presence like that. Just to hit me like a great gust of wind that I feel around me all of the time. But unlike that moment in Acts (Act 2, to be precise), I don't feel God's presence rushing around me and through me like that. I long for it, but it hasn't happened for me like that. Sometimes, I feel God in a tender touch from a loved one or friend, I hear His still small voice when I pray, and listen, really listen for his will. Sometimes it's even in a flood of tears: tears of sadness, tears of relief. I still welcome that gust of mighty wind (blow me right over, Lord, I'm ready!!), but if I never feel God's presence like that, I still know in my heart that He is ever present with me. Thank you, Lord for never leaving my side.<br />
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Another topic came to me, though, through the wind, "Gone with the Wind". This has to be my all time favorite movie. I read the book too, years ago (sooo different than the movie). The character of Scarlett, though, is still the same. Scarlett is strong, determined, naive, smart, stubborn, headstrong, beautiful, flirtatious, and so much more. I wanted to be Scarlett!! Unfortunately, if you truly were Scarlett, you'd have to go through more than just a few cotillions and barbecues. You'd have to go through war, disease, death, loss, starvation and poverty. Do I really want to be like Scarlett? Unfortunately, we all have to endure hardships here on earth. Just like at the end of the movie when Melanie dies and Scarlett has her epiphany about how much she loves Rhett, these unbearable things we have to endure, mold us to be the people we are. If we cling to God and our faith in the midst of this kind of wind or storm, we will be transformed in His likeness, as we are promised. The promise is real, the promise is sure. The promise is Jesus.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for scarlett o'hara" src="https://encouragedegg.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/e-o-vento-levou-scarlett-ohara-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Take your hands off me, you drunken fool."<br />(Photo found on Google Images)</td></tr>
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I pray you have a great day today, enjoy it. And, I also, pray you have a good day again tomorrow.</div>
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"After all, tomorrow is another day"!!!</div>
lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-27515348954147289932017-03-29T06:30:00.001-04:002017-03-29T06:30:32.298-04:00March Madness!Ephesians 4: 31-32<br />
" Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. "<br />
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I don't generally think of myself as an angry person. But around 6:30 in the evening, after getting up at 5 in the morning and working hard all day long, when I have a 4 year old whining, my 15 year old stinking up my house fresh out of lacrosse practice and refusing to walk the dog, my 13 year old sleeping in her room, my 10 year old sassing me, AND my husband walking in the door and complaining about the condition of our house: I turn into Godzilla!!! Flames shooting out of my mouth, sounds emitting from me that bring terror to the hearts my family and perhaps even to a few unfortunate neighbors that might happen to be walking by. You get the picture, right?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtVmNKi5Um1JIsZipU_SzEcr8IkFfTWfain1wedtcL0EbUP2_FVvJYuRttACCZTyeniKJcYr2O8udlKSXMKR0T3HOQwGVK7cAUbOwypZSZtJ_aBA4qJWQ1KZFO-VXvOYe_ssEb6Uvw1c/s1600/5098020-godzilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtVmNKi5Um1JIsZipU_SzEcr8IkFfTWfain1wedtcL0EbUP2_FVvJYuRttACCZTyeniKJcYr2O8udlKSXMKR0T3HOQwGVK7cAUbOwypZSZtJ_aBA4qJWQ1KZFO-VXvOYe_ssEb6Uvw1c/s640/5098020-godzilla.jpg" width="411" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, that's me!!</td></tr>
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I don't want to be Godzilla. I know how I should be behaving, I know that I am sinning. I know that it is not pretty, not acceptable, not right, not good, not proper, and most importantly NOT from God. And, the saddest part, I see my children emulating this behavior. Shame on me. Forgive me, Lord. Forgive me, Family. Lord, help me to put all of this anger aside. While some might even say, that I am justified, that they behave the same way sometimes, that doesn't make it right. It's still wrong. And while I still start my day with hope and joy and gladness in my quiet time, I need to remember to continuously ask God to help me guard my mouth, my thoughts, and my actions throughout the day. Can you imagine the example I am setting for my beautiful family, my neighbors, anyone within earshot??<br />
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Fortunately, verse 32 reminds me that I am forgiven. Even when I continue to stumble, when I seek forgiveness, I will find it. God is so good!! Help me, Lord, to be good, too!<br />
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I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday!!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-76904273619150435202017-03-14T18:12:00.000-04:002017-03-14T20:21:17.320-04:00Made in the shadePsalm 121: 5<br />
" The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; "<br />
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I love Psalm 121. Verse one always been a favorite verse of mine. The song <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5bLvVjJ4MA">Praise You in this Storm, by Casting Crowns</a> uses Psalm 121: 1 in the chorus. I get emotional just thinking about that powerful song. Click on the link above and give it a listen to. LOVE IT! And by the way, that is so hard to do, praise God in the midst of our "storm". Did you lose your job? Are you going through a financial storm? Did you lose your home? Did you just lose someone you love, are you ill, is someone you love ill or dying? Some storms seem much bigger than others. But we are called to praise God through those times. Easier said than done. I am terribly guilty of worry and panic first, and then eventually I get to the praise part. Wouldn't it be better to go there first? Yes, Lord, I will praise you in this storm. As hard as it is, I know You are God, and this time of struggle is going to be used (someday, somehow) for good. Amen.<br />
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Speaking of storms, we had a snow storm last night. Just when I thought we were home free this winter from using any snow days, doggone it, we have at least one, maybe two. That's ok. I got to sleep in (I usually get up at 5 am, my daughter's alarm went off at 6 am), and I didn't even get dressed until after noon!! Whoop, whoop! I am looking forward to spring, however. Last week my husband bought me a new pair of sunglasses, and I can't wait to wear them. I'm saving them for the Blue Angels demonstration and the Boat show which are both this spring.<br />
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I recently found a new website <a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/sunglasses">for great new glasses and sunglasses</a>. It's called <a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/">Warby Parker</a> and their new <a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/spring-2017/women">Spring 2017</a> collection is available today! Here are a couple pair of sunglasses that I'm loving.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="382" src="https://i.warbycdn.com/v/c/assets/gallery-promos/image/march-2017-sun-womens-gallery/0/5a6c01dd22.jpg?quality=70&width=1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm in love with these great tortoise shades!!<br />
<a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/sunglasses/women/pearl/marzipan-tortoise">Marzipan Tortoise with Classic Brown lenses</a></td></tr>
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<span id="goog_275425875"></span><span id="goog_275425876"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="https://i.warbycdn.com/s/l/144ec82a879d6645cbab8a037d730d8ded11fa49/1500x750.jpg?quality=80" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or, how about these cool blue sunglasses?<br />
<a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/sunglasses/women/durand/deep-sea-blue">Durand Sunglasses in Deep Blue with Vintage Blue lenses</a></td></tr>
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And here's something great, too, <a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/home-try-on">Home Try-On</a>. Most styles are available to try-on at home FOR FREE for up to 5 days! You can select up to 5 frames to try-on at home (some exclusions may apply). You only pay for the glasses you keep. So cool. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="382" src="https://i.warbycdn.com/v/c/assets/gallery-promos/image/feb-metal-sun/0/6312a4f60a.jpg?quality=70&width=1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are so many styles to choose from, you have to check them out yourself,<br />
and yes, they have men's styles too!<br />
Click on this link here- <a href="https://www.warbyparker.com/">Warby Parker</a></td></tr>
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Well, while I was writing this, the county called and schools are cancelled again tomorrow. I hope that means another morning to sleep in! So tonight, I'm going to be praying for spring to spring. I have some new sunglasses to wear!!<br />
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I pray you have a terrific Tuesday!</div>
lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-77285682336323947692017-02-10T10:45:00.001-05:002017-02-10T10:45:36.069-05:00Pinkaliciousness1 Corinthians 16: 14<br />
" Do everything in love."<br />
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And there you have it, pretty straight forward. Do EVERYTHING in love. This close to Valentine's Day, love is everywhere. But this verse isn't about an occasional, "I love you". This verse is about EVERYTHING. When we correct our children I know we are doing it out of love but, are we doing it in love? When we pay our bills? When we make a meal? When we say, "Hello"? "Goodbye"? Wash the dishes? Travelling to/from work? Grocery shopping with the kids...? I'm guilty. I am not doing everything in love. My motives aren't always love. Sometimes they are selfish, angry, panicked, defensive, exhausted, and downright foolish. I'm human, Lord, and I do things and regret things that I say and do, all of the time. I wish I would just take a moment, and remember the sacrifice, and the pain, and the true love given for me on the cross. He gave EVERYTHING, so I could live in love and be loved eternally. Thank you, Lord. I mean that, completely, in love.<br />
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There's nothing wrong with celebrating love. That's why Valentine's Day is a fun holiday. Let's celebrate love and the one's we love!! Here are some fun Valentine's gifts that I'm thinking about this year.<br />
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Cupcakes!! OMG, we have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaCakerieBakeShop/">La Cakerie</a> opened in Bel Air. If you watch The Food Network then you must have seen <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bthesite/bal-2013s-10-people-to-watch-under-30-pictures-011-photo.html">Jason Hisely</a>! He was a winning pastry chef on "Cupcake Wars", and took second place in "Sweet Genius". He's the owner, and head pastry chef of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaCakerieBakeShop/">La Cakerie</a> in Towson and Baltimore, and now Bel Air. A bonafide celebrity!! After reading my girls one of our favorite books this week, "<a href="http://www.thinkpinkalicious.com/books">Pinkalicious</a>", we took a field trip to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LaCakerieBakeShop/">La Cakerie</a> on Main Street in Bel Air, to see if we could find a pink cupcake. Of course we did! Here's my girl with her pink cupcake (and chocolate, we love chocolate!).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVpir-pfyWlWYD0gdlyd70Bs6IHepsZR2dzrTAycRJl6cioBrSy2dJ44NeCcZ4AOHtsdNvXIhX9r7hDbdCUVPOT4HzxZ1mHlurTA_rjmILRaZn_eX97etS-eR1xSexbrU7qydehRTZN0/s1600/Screenshot_20170209-175030.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVpir-pfyWlWYD0gdlyd70Bs6IHepsZR2dzrTAycRJl6cioBrSy2dJ44NeCcZ4AOHtsdNvXIhX9r7hDbdCUVPOT4HzxZ1mHlurTA_rjmILRaZn_eX97etS-eR1xSexbrU7qydehRTZN0/s640/Screenshot_20170209-175030.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pink icing was the first thing to go!</td></tr>
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I also found these "sweet" t-shirts, I thought they'd make a great Valentine's gift!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx0Iy5z8sGjLVg-4jYU8DMEPTK_kT-sFKwBxZH8skk-bA-Z8zr6llQgkZ7SumIkOwCxdL9qiaibXmAXAD_sbHGsbef_2gBotDN99X0PqdU1dH4UrzhHYV3pnK1OPtxJY_eL9GaWPNZmI/s1600/Screenshot_20170209-175203.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx0Iy5z8sGjLVg-4jYU8DMEPTK_kT-sFKwBxZH8skk-bA-Z8zr6llQgkZ7SumIkOwCxdL9qiaibXmAXAD_sbHGsbef_2gBotDN99X0PqdU1dH4UrzhHYV3pnK1OPtxJY_eL9GaWPNZmI/s400/Screenshot_20170209-175203.png" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTi8WYy-kk5sFV67wc0V0AwX47d8K8U8Lq6H4x-ZEA5YZrst-043G_rrwIsW8Gq3E-UVOwgqX5MTJSFpENCPHDxiDnElYbJULyn1MTYYCkUJPW5AqZPlNsDLpsYBvLfkMD2QW9-PPEiQ/s1600/Screenshot_20170209-175136.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTi8WYy-kk5sFV67wc0V0AwX47d8K8U8Lq6H4x-ZEA5YZrst-043G_rrwIsW8Gq3E-UVOwgqX5MTJSFpENCPHDxiDnElYbJULyn1MTYYCkUJPW5AqZPlNsDLpsYBvLfkMD2QW9-PPEiQ/s400/Screenshot_20170209-175136.png" width="225" /></a><br />
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So fun!!<br />
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I found these pink tennis shoes at another store along Main Street. LOVE!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJnugYG2B7BsjAtUgvpk5ReF96GKQDvPwU2F078AKQos6J_Vikz1vPtVzNOsmnYLIsbT3gxSbH_qlnsTe_sWx8ZWqdCgbsO73cr8FPlZ5zcsQjBXIoSBwNjavMVHOgbxyBdWRCWGTPHY/s1600/FB_IMG_1486305209631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJnugYG2B7BsjAtUgvpk5ReF96GKQDvPwU2F078AKQos6J_Vikz1vPtVzNOsmnYLIsbT3gxSbH_qlnsTe_sWx8ZWqdCgbsO73cr8FPlZ5zcsQjBXIoSBwNjavMVHOgbxyBdWRCWGTPHY/s320/FB_IMG_1486305209631.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size 8, Honey!!<br />
(These shoes are available at <a href="http://shopurbanpearl.com/">Urban Pearl</a>)</td></tr>
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Or just off of Main Street, my favorite store, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepinksilhouette/">The Pink Silhouette</a>, carries <a href="http://www.brighton.com/">Brighton</a> jewelry which always comes with a heart. And, they have such fun clothes and accessories. Here are a few things that caught my eye.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2wcz50LG-GgGjlwsW-x3miLe0UbhjVfNVKMfzs9IgJkpO2PeYLuJdbYvu5AkWsZh_eCdBRIJcDGTooSY6zEfgnggxmtUt5gvqe04J4_j6tP-kl8wXi1fNAoON6zIfjD0IZME-JamaAI/s1600/20170208_113320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2wcz50LG-GgGjlwsW-x3miLe0UbhjVfNVKMfzs9IgJkpO2PeYLuJdbYvu5AkWsZh_eCdBRIJcDGTooSY6zEfgnggxmtUt5gvqe04J4_j6tP-kl8wXi1fNAoON6zIfjD0IZME-JamaAI/s400/20170208_113320.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the back!!!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw-kM-TrD2GguriantiFrrI6xkhScOM-aNuqTXlPyhp5JXoxGfk81KAM5wIuKKLQJL-k9fj0FlC5v8Zw-xb6zK8wyM_AWuMVwmBVC9T5CTsYs20QuqVRkRm6ltmgYljAUCYzXJ1Krm-8/s1600/20170208_113443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXw-kM-TrD2GguriantiFrrI6xkhScOM-aNuqTXlPyhp5JXoxGfk81KAM5wIuKKLQJL-k9fj0FlC5v8Zw-xb6zK8wyM_AWuMVwmBVC9T5CTsYs20QuqVRkRm6ltmgYljAUCYzXJ1Krm-8/s400/20170208_113443.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this is cutest top ever, here's the front...look at the back.</td></tr>
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and here's some <a href="http://www.brighton.com/">Brighton</a> to brighten your day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkQiewPapTXG0qUrN1B9z_B6CNfySkM7ztagS6difuNSNsFLLnT9bdSpGEKQ8L9b2dBV0Auvp836I6ZyldGwXspxcdxatSeuI2_CLicPOLxe1CXh6UIuoG0PPGxnApcxhaEFBsK9yFio/s1600/20170208_113559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMkQiewPapTXG0qUrN1B9z_B6CNfySkM7ztagS6difuNSNsFLLnT9bdSpGEKQ8L9b2dBV0Auvp836I6ZyldGwXspxcdxatSeuI2_CLicPOLxe1CXh6UIuoG0PPGxnApcxhaEFBsK9yFio/s400/20170208_113559.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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and these earrings, no hearts but anchors away!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EKwy2Q3xxM05obwkhpai7xVrGdbUlMptal-otvEH2CDbWpJASHwlkoh7SHHCcWQcCOCGFZ1bmElCgvIW_UHzdrDua_uphJs2kQjFqZKxx3lvNwdbQcRo3EV-M8EhXUWjaJP96l0C2Gc/s1600/20170208_113433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EKwy2Q3xxM05obwkhpai7xVrGdbUlMptal-otvEH2CDbWpJASHwlkoh7SHHCcWQcCOCGFZ1bmElCgvIW_UHzdrDua_uphJs2kQjFqZKxx3lvNwdbQcRo3EV-M8EhXUWjaJP96l0C2Gc/s640/20170208_113433.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Right now thru February 14th <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepinksilhouette/">The Pink Silhouette</a> is offering 20% off in their store (some exclusions apply).Tell them Michelle sent you!!</div>
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I pray you have a fantastic Friday, and a wonderful weekend!!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-18177843940868430892017-02-02T10:43:00.000-05:002018-02-13T15:36:05.861-05:00Money, worry, me?!1 Timothy 6: 10<br />
" For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money have wandered from faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. "<br />
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This final chapter in 1 Timothy is chock full of great advice about money and faith. Yes, you can have money...and faith. It's what you do (or don't do) with your money that is important. I wish I could tell you that I have loads of money, we give generously to all and, I don't ever worry about money. NOT!! I have ingrained in my Christian head that worrying about money, isn't Christian at all. But, I'm not so sure about that. I don't worship money, I worship the One True King, but I am conscious of the money coming in and going out (there is a LOT going out!) and, yes, I worry. I sometimes have to pray and refocus, because we are told, " do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. " <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Phil 4:6)</span>, In Matthew 6: 25-34, we are told to be "do not be anxious about your life..." I shouldn't <i><b>worry</b></i> about money, but I need to be conscientious, and deliberate in using it. Lord, help me to be a good steward of all you provide for me, when my mind wanders with worry about how I will pay my bills or give to others, help me to refocus in prayer with thanksgiving. " Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself..." <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Matthew 6:34). </span><br />
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We are entering an exciting chapter in my household. We have sold our home, moved, and soon will be building our "dream home". We still have bills to pay, moving expenses, new furniture to buy, and money to save. It can certainly be overwhelming if you don't have a plan, and while it's still early in 2017, I now have a plan, thanks to "<a href="https://www.earnest.com/">earnest</a>". <a href="https://www.earnest.com/">Earnest</a> is an online, personal and student loan company based out of CA. They have products to help you to refinance a student loan or, personal loan products to help you streamline your debt. I gave some of my personal goals for this year to one of their consultants and I now have a plan in order to help me achieve some of those goals this year. What fun!! Here's my 2017 Money Saving Challenge, and I challenge you to join me!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGm-HCwuhSXRWp_M0ryHwInubldH8_VSitzLJ7qimH46EXiXf_qr5rkPekdtIbopQFqIdnc6jcOM0Jjuig6IIEqNRbH32bdNZgKJFMcWxbYGDjXRuPOS3LZxclV6y3UjsT6akwoa9dDk/s1600/Michelle-+earnest+Money+challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGm-HCwuhSXRWp_M0ryHwInubldH8_VSitzLJ7qimH46EXiXf_qr5rkPekdtIbopQFqIdnc6jcOM0Jjuig6IIEqNRbH32bdNZgKJFMcWxbYGDjXRuPOS3LZxclV6y3UjsT6akwoa9dDk/s1600/Michelle-+earnest+Money+challenge.jpg" /></a></div>
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Your March, June, September and December will probably be a little different than mine. But consider getting a budget ready for 2018 in December. I pray today, that when you find yourself anxious, that you take a quiet moment and cast all of your anxiety on God, because he cares for you!!</div>
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Have a blessed Thursday!</div>
<br />lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-13277794750198121922017-01-25T11:00:00.000-05:002017-01-25T11:00:58.344-05:00I heart you! 1 Corinthians 13: 4<br />
" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. "<br />
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This is the first verse of one of the most famous passages in the Bible about love. It is one of my favorite verses. I have some very personal reasons why I love it. I'm certainly not alone, though, because I'm sure it's one of the most read passages at wedding services around the globe. Let's stop and think about this verse in a different way today. A few years ago, I attended a women's conference at my church and one of the speakers used these verses in her talk. It really was profound what she said about them. Basically, she told us to substitute our name (ie. Michelle) for the word love; like this, " Michelle is patient, Michelle is kind. Michelle does not envy, Michelle does not boast, Michelle is not proud. " Uh oh...I might be in a bit of trouble here!!! Lord, forgive me when I don't reflect you in my life. If I reflect you, then I am truly reflecting love. You, Lord, are love. Help me to be more like you, Lord, in all things, everyday. Amen.<br />
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I have love on the brain today. I'm just coming down from my last weekend high. I was high on love. I was pampered on Saturday morning, got to see my daughter perform in a chorale festival in the afternoon, and then after dropping the children at my parents house (thank you Mom and Dad!!), my husband and I zoomed off to the eastern shore to attend the charity event for my BIL, and then off to a wonderful hotel on the beach for the night (and of course there was delicious food, I LOVE me some food!!). Such a nice weekend, so full of love! Well, now I'm home unpacking again (yuck!). But that's ok, because Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and love is in the air!<br />
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Here are some things I'm thinking about for a fun Valentine's Day...<br />
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- Brownies! You can't go wrong with chocolate. I've made 2 pans of brownies in the past 2 weeks (and I've eaten most of them myself). Here's a great recipe I've been using.<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Tori's Brownies</span></u></b></div>
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<b><u>Ingredients</u></b></div>
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1/2 cup butter 1 1/2 cups flour</div>
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3/4 cups shortening 1 tsp baking powder</div>
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3/4 cup cocoa 1/2 tsp salt</div>
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2 cups sugar </div>
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4 eggs beaten</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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Preheat oven to 350*</div>
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Cream butter, shortening, cocoa, and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla beat in until blended. Combine dry ingredients in separate bowl. Carefully add dry ingredients to wet and mix until blended. Spread onto greased jelly roll pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.</div>
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<b><u>Icing</u></b></div>
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1/4 cup butter</div>
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5 tbsp cocoa</div>
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1/4 cup milk </div>
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2 cups powdered sugar </div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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Melt butter add cocoa. Stir in milk and sugar (alternating). Remove from heat, add vanilla. Pour over warm brownies. Let set, and EAT! Yummy!!</div>
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-Hearts on doors. I saw this cute idea on FB yesterday. I heart it!! What a fun way to decorate and build up your kiddos (or get romantic with your hubby!). Every day, starting February 1st, put a heart note on the door of your kids rooms with some of the many things you love about them. So cute!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Valentine heart attack" src="http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/Valentine-heart-attack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image is from this website (and idea for that matter!)<br /><a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/heart-attack/">Skip To My Lou</a></td></tr>
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I'm still on the lookout for more fun Valentine's Day ideas. I hope you heart these!! Let me know if you have a fun Valentine tradition at your house. Please leave a comment below, I'd love to share them with you. <div>
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I pray you have a wonderful Wednesday!!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-85588820548646284892017-01-24T11:54:00.002-05:002017-01-24T11:54:29.539-05:00Fight, fight, fight!!!Ephesians 6: 12<br />
" For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. "<br />
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This weekend I, again, had the privilege of watching my brother-in-law take on ALS, head first. Almost literally this time because his charity, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tenmilemiracleforals/">Ten Mile Miracle</a>, held it's 3rd annual fundraiser, a Pro Wrestling event, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tenmilemiracleforals/">Body Slamming ALS</a>; and Tim, who has now been diagnosed with ALS for over 3 years, participated in the "Battle Royale" and was victorious!! Tim had a bit of an unfair advantage, though, he was victorious before he even got into the ring. His battle was already won, when our Lord and Savior died for him on the cross. Tim is a believing Christian. It is with this faith and assurance in victory, that Tim is beating the odds and able to raise awareness and money for his local ALS charity, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tenmilemiracleforals/">Ten Mile Miracle</a>. Tim's battle was won 2000 years ago, as was mine, and anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. It so simple, pray right now. Know that God loves you. Confess your sins, ask for forgiveness. Believe that through Christ we are saved, and receive Him into your heart. I pray that today, you can claim victory through Christ. <br />
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Here are some pics from last weekends, " <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tenmilemiracleforals/">Body Slamming ALS</a>" event.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 2 people" height="480" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16252076_1180194742028330_641956192922594821_o.jpg?oh=427d4cd78840acf230cb59e9274d3db2&oe=59049FDD" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Here's a link to a great article by,</span><a href="http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2017/01/21/bethany-beach-man-wrestles-fight-als/96909490/" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Delaware Online</a>.<br />(Photo by Steve Bernard)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling, people standing" height="480" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16299899_1180195888694882_1269710749472407157_o.jpg?oh=2a9d00b41da935296214d2bf207403eb&oe=5905FC40" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention the famous WWE/WWF Hall of Famer, <a href="http://www.wwe.com/superstars/titosantana">Tito Santana</a>, was there!!<br />Here's Tito and Tim!<br />(Photo by Steve Bernard)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcuxfCBI0YfNz4Tx8QU5CgqmjIHTz-FjQdO7jIk8b-aGcJveN6KJVMSOTB4KjhV-Bh35EKbwmhjX4W8vp1FKdBiScjVMitLOEtD9cbt4mXgWHVQAh5NJmd2cfTpyfdu3ackJJbN-Hdpg/s1600/20170121_203919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcuxfCBI0YfNz4Tx8QU5CgqmjIHTz-FjQdO7jIk8b-aGcJveN6KJVMSOTB4KjhV-Bh35EKbwmhjX4W8vp1FKdBiScjVMitLOEtD9cbt4mXgWHVQAh5NJmd2cfTpyfdu3ackJJbN-Hdpg/s400/20170121_203919.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and this was Saturday!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling, people sitting, people standing and outdoor" height="400" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16002755_10154450182774401_1348309794660427912_n.jpg?oh=e8e31cf29b5d21cf8e5eef49c2dc5124&oe=5907DC17" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="220" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My SIL's and me. This was 1995...</td></tr>
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It was also a chance for my handsome husband and me to take have a little overnight trip. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate, but who needs sunshine when you have good food??<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_pqZj3jKpUtIah5Dc7hyADSsjr-TdKNpB7HfK1VXvecrDi4abzfNTiUZSI0nWL8fNdp1lf-j1zaojI1iPFY2G6YCxSiy6Wl5XjLMa9It0R5pAWc2gXB9ebiVzvYUyy_4ALmSCsT5R74/s1600/20170122_113953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_pqZj3jKpUtIah5Dc7hyADSsjr-TdKNpB7HfK1VXvecrDi4abzfNTiUZSI0nWL8fNdp1lf-j1zaojI1iPFY2G6YCxSiy6Wl5XjLMa9It0R5pAWc2gXB9ebiVzvYUyy_4ALmSCsT5R74/s640/20170122_113953.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brunch at our hotel<br />We stayed at the <a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/rehri-bethany-beach-ocean-suites-residence-inn/">Bethany Beach Ocean Suites</a>, it was wonderful!</td></tr>
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<br />This was mine...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXLHdZyXUwUnMyjPT7cxUTDJ0YmuHPL3yhjwpt2pWHTrLbuJ5nzW_N7DH7YzFURaWp1Y1q4pz6xS_y1R2WzRfQYHS2sdyy_G7kDgcfVCn0RFU2MLRsWei06IuyAlHA_Mk9meqFOLvzSc/s1600/20170122_113959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXLHdZyXUwUnMyjPT7cxUTDJ0YmuHPL3yhjwpt2pWHTrLbuJ5nzW_N7DH7YzFURaWp1Y1q4pz6xS_y1R2WzRfQYHS2sdyy_G7kDgcfVCn0RFU2MLRsWei06IuyAlHA_Mk9meqFOLvzSc/s400/20170122_113959.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eggs Benedict, but served on a fillet of fish!!<br />Yum!!</td></tr>
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<br />If you'd like to make a donation to help those who are fighting their own battle with ALS, I encourage you to click on this link here, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tenmilemiracleforals/">Ten Mile Miracle</a> . <b><i>ALL</i></b> (100%) of the proceeds from these fundraisers go directly to helping provide for the immediate care of people in the Delmarva region suffering with this disease. Thank you for your support!<div>
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Have a blessed Tuesday!!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-28416660894901431562017-01-19T11:14:00.003-05:002017-01-19T11:18:24.175-05:00The skin I'm inPsalm 104: 15<br />
"wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine and bread, that sustains their hearts."<br />
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Psalm 104 begins and ends with these words, " Praise the Lord, my soul. Praise the Lord. " The verses in between, lists blessings and things that we are to praise and thank Him for. Some of these blessings I take for granted, for instance: " He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. ", I hadn't recently thanked God that Earth hasn't broken free from it's gravitational pull and started floating around in outer space. Have you?? There are so many blessings that we are surrounded with every day. Take a few minutes today to try to think of a few that you maybe even haven't thought of before. Like, "Thank you, Lord, that I only have to go to my neighborhood grocery store to get the food that I need for my family". Or, "Thank you, Lord, that my husband put gas in my van, so I can run the kids to school." We are completely surrounded by blessings!! Look around you, and then do this: "Praise the Lord, my soul. Praise the Lord"!!!<br />
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A friend of mine started selling <a href="https://shelleg.myrandf.com/">Rodan + Fields</a> products in August. She is quite the sales person. She also is one of those people that is brutally honest, and doesn't have a filter. She wears her heart on her sleeve for sure, and she certainly has NO filter for her mouth! Because of this, though, when she believes in something, you <b><i>have</i></b> to believe her. Not only that, I have noticed changes in her complexion and, most recently, her eyelashes. I know it's because of these products. So, I took the plunge. I am now using <a href="https://shelleg.myrandf.com/">Rodan + Fields</a> products for myself (read "<a href="http://lipstickonanelephant.blogspot.com/2016/11/ask-her-grandma.html">Ask her Grandma...</a>" and you'll understand why!). I am using the <a href="https://shelleg.myrandf.com/Shop/REDEFINE">Redefine</a> regimen, and I love it! I feel it's purposeful skin care. <a href="https://shelleg.myrandf.com/">Rodan + Fields</a> was developed by 2 well renowned female doctors, Doctors Rodan and Fields, of course! These same 2 doctors developed <a href="http://www.proactiv.com/">Proactiv</a>. If you watch television, you've probably seen the commercials thousands of times. However, they wanted to develop an even better line of skincare for women (and men), like me. And they have. Originally sold in upscale department stores, they decided that women were hearing about these products more by word of mouth. So, <a href="https://shelleg.myrandf.com/">Rodan + Fields</a> hit the direct sales market, and women like me are not only becoming more confident and beautiful in their own skin, but they are becoming successful businesswomen as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IqyK1LpZaoKAiILo21gCGMB57xWcs7XJ2Z8HLoCi1RHoL0M2ZNGh61XDimvLPwVDMlcicObXwbM011r08QMZbe5TLhFNidWlt7PP7Sx5PO8Iq_GmocpEZqWoYOqjcKBdD_3Q2oXYWpo/s1600/aarg001-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IqyK1LpZaoKAiILo21gCGMB57xWcs7XJ2Z8HLoCi1RHoL0M2ZNGh61XDimvLPwVDMlcicObXwbM011r08QMZbe5TLhFNidWlt7PP7Sx5PO8Iq_GmocpEZqWoYOqjcKBdD_3Q2oXYWpo/s320/aarg001-web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNsJJxxdjV0qJTN36ZfoJNlP2lYC8Y_9VEWw3cHdq928xwXJXwvqLYc8B4jyRh2bR8K-WXoRkIX3bm2QDTKvxcEIR_Xpd1_MUYmpWAIxpONVH4Vliz0y2XDrWCmkh64V2tvNgC3-lEN0/s1600/20170106_201914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNsJJxxdjV0qJTN36ZfoJNlP2lYC8Y_9VEWw3cHdq928xwXJXwvqLYc8B4jyRh2bR8K-WXoRkIX3bm2QDTKvxcEIR_Xpd1_MUYmpWAIxpONVH4Vliz0y2XDrWCmkh64V2tvNgC3-lEN0/s400/20170106_201914.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first time using Refine!!</td></tr>
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Please join me in using these terrific products. Click on this link, <a href="https://shelleg.myrandf.com/">https://shelleg.myrandf.com</a> , and use the "<a href="https://shelleg.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/SolutionsTool">Solution Tool</a>" to find out what regimen will work best for you. All of these products offer a 60 day money back guarantee, so there is absolutely no risk. More importantly you are only risking delaying your best skin ever, by not trying these products. Just as a disclaimer, you know I don't usually write about things that I am selling. Quite honestly, I have never profited from writing this blog, so you know I must believe that what I'm telling you, I truly believe myself.<br />
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I pray you have a beautiful Thursday. And remember, "Praise the Lord, my soul. Praise the Lord" , in everything, today and tomorrow, too. </div>
lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-76312494007718022017-01-05T13:47:00.000-05:002017-01-05T13:47:24.964-05:00My jeans shrunk!Hebrews 10: 39<br />
" But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed , but to those who have faith and are saved. "<br />
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Perseverance is what this chapter in Hebrews is all about. You certainly don't want to be shrinking back in your faith, falling back into sin. Being destroyed doesn't sound like fun at all!! And so, we are to persevere! Paul also tells us "spur one another on in love and good deeds" (vs. 24). Paying it forward in faith and love, so to speak. I think that is something we should persevere in, loving and serving one another. Our promise is sure, we are saved by faith. Amen!!<br />
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I wish I could be more perseverant in my diet and exercise regimen, that's for sure. The only thing that has been shrinking around here, unfortunately, are my jeans!! At least I hope they are shrinking, otherwise I'm expanding!! I still don't have a scale, so I truly don't know for sure if I've gained a few pounds (or more!). But, I'm pretty sure by the way my pants are fitting that I probably have...wah, wah, waaahhh. Now that I'm 50, I really need to start putting my health and well-being nearer to the top of my very loonnnggg list. So, today's the day. I think we're pretty much done with the seasonal parties; I'm getting back on track. The simple thing that I started to do today, was to drink more water. I find that in these winter months, while I'm stuck inside, I tend to snack a lot. So, while I'm tempted to put those last few Christmas cookies in my mouth, I've decided to opt for my straw instead. And...I also decided to look good doing it, lol! I thought I'd be a lot more motivated, if my cup matched my outfit (I'm just weird that way, but hey, whatever helps you to persevere!!).<br />
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Here's my fabulous cup and my matching sweater!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeboQL7aVyUHxKuIh37X1ss0HIhQOlTUvdU29_ERZA1NbgO7-C4dWNlwW6pd-qzHq_AXWm5yn4bG1d-DY6iCjyQv6C0pyWK8gwpoZo7VZWLpZ1GKXGbmtmTMAuKrqk7-XP-3DfOCyxmA/s1600/IMG_20170105_101458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeboQL7aVyUHxKuIh37X1ss0HIhQOlTUvdU29_ERZA1NbgO7-C4dWNlwW6pd-qzHq_AXWm5yn4bG1d-DY6iCjyQv6C0pyWK8gwpoZo7VZWLpZ1GKXGbmtmTMAuKrqk7-XP-3DfOCyxmA/s400/IMG_20170105_101458.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0w9sKEit73DxMzL2S6A_6sVapi5A7HTNAkOEXmc7gf6IWxZ6pRdyK8GmuwZa_wXO5VVzovLqke4GUHrBCEAKv_lebILxkqJYgY5QYfHaE5WTw3h1ReYQrfjK8FmuGhi3ldMEqJgakxI/s1600/20170105_130923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0w9sKEit73DxMzL2S6A_6sVapi5A7HTNAkOEXmc7gf6IWxZ6pRdyK8GmuwZa_wXO5VVzovLqke4GUHrBCEAKv_lebILxkqJYgY5QYfHaE5WTw3h1ReYQrfjK8FmuGhi3ldMEqJgakxI/s400/20170105_130923.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0w9sKEit73DxMzL2S6A_6sVapi5A7HTNAkOEXmc7gf6IWxZ6pRdyK8GmuwZa_wXO5VVzovLqke4GUHrBCEAKv_lebILxkqJYgY5QYfHaE5WTw3h1ReYQrfjK8FmuGhi3ldMEqJgakxI/s1600/20170105_130923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0w9sKEit73DxMzL2S6A_6sVapi5A7HTNAkOEXmc7gf6IWxZ6pRdyK8GmuwZa_wXO5VVzovLqke4GUHrBCEAKv_lebILxkqJYgY5QYfHaE5WTw3h1ReYQrfjK8FmuGhi3ldMEqJgakxI/s1600/20170105_130923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJJS70yq0vW7rsjThsHHXoBHIhXsNEbceM5HC66-8ZthQJszAAq0Hr5vWhGtIs0KK_48o_0kAwKwIVpH4nuiNjPpP-ft0pPcoHxyzACdTma-7vjiaKdVoqsQBjMJaAU0ljSPBz85Gd44/s1600/20170105_100553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJJS70yq0vW7rsjThsHHXoBHIhXsNEbceM5HC66-8ZthQJszAAq0Hr5vWhGtIs0KK_48o_0kAwKwIVpH4nuiNjPpP-ft0pPcoHxyzACdTma-7vjiaKdVoqsQBjMJaAU0ljSPBz85Gd44/s400/20170105_100553.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I picked up that great anchor tumbler at my favorite local retailer, <a href="http://www.thepinksilhouette.com/">The Pink Silhouette</a>, a couple of summers ago. You can pick up a terrific tumbler practically anywhere: the grocery store, the card shop, TJ Maxx, Target,Walmart, etc... And, my "whaley" cute sweater, my hubby bought for me for my birthday from <a href="https://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi41210&defaultColor=0997&N=10598+10497&No=48&selectedConcept=&_=1483641602176&Nrpp=24&cmp=ppc-google-b%5EBrand+%7C+EXT%5EB%5ETalbots%5EWebsite%5ENK%5Esite%3Atalbots.com+talbots%5Ee&Nr=AND(OR(product.siteId%3ATalbotsSite)%2COR(product.catalogId%3Acatalog20002))&gclid=CjwKEAiA-rfDBRDeyOybg8jd2U4SJAAoE5XqukBGNaznkDuKQ6HCYQzDS6YAPndynrIhf2zJ4p3kWxoCrtXw_wcB&mkwid=sX71IZeTi_pcrid_168589347073_pkw_site%3Atalbots.com+talbots_pmt_e_pdv_c_">Talbots</a>., they are currently having a "Extra"50% off sweater sale, through Sunday. I may need another cute sweater!!</div>
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Today, I pray you persevere in your walk, in your faith and in this life, for the promise is ours in Jesus!</div>
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Have a wonderful Thursday.</div>
lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-16428786030503822292017-01-02T10:07:00.000-05:002017-01-02T10:07:27.157-05:00My plansIsaiah 55: 8<br />
" 'For your thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, ' declares the Lord. "<br />
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Ain't that the truth!!! I think back to a project I made in elementary school where the teacher had us make a timeline of our lives. The good news is that in the last square of my timeline I'm an angel in heaven (whew!). The bad news for any of my children after my 2nd....not there, wasn't in my plan. In my highschool yearbook, I wrote in my senior write up that I was going to go to college and then I was going to be rich. I did go to college, but rich...not so much. That was a good plan, wasn't it?? Oh Lord, I have had some pretty good plans in my 50 years of living. Why aren't my plans your plans? In my favorite Christian song, one of the lines is, " Sometimes I gotta stop, remember that you're God, and I am not". It's just that simple. I know I try to make sense of all the twists and turns that my life has taken. Most of the bad decisions have been through my impatience with God. If I stop trying to fix things and let God be God, somehow his plans will work for good. "God is good all the time; and all the time, God is good" ! Thank you, Lord, that even when I get in the way, your ways are meant for good. Today, tomorrow, and always let your ways be my ways. Help me to be submissive to you, even when I think I know a better way. You <b><i>are</i></b> the way, the truth and the life. Amen.<br />
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I have had a bad cold since Saturday. It started off as just a little sniffle on Friday, but by Saturday morning I was full of congestion, and runny everything. Yuck! I have been trying to pull myself together, because believe me, moving waits for no man (or woman with a bad cold). We are trying to make this time of transition a time of organization for our family. During our renovating and selling process we packed up a lot of stuff and put it in storage. Our goal now is to go through said "stuff" and purge the heck out of it. Double yuck! My beautiful, big new townhouse, looks like a storage unit...with a really nice kitchen and a walk-in closet (lovin' me some walk-in closet!!). So, I ask for your prayers while we go through this process. Some of it's easy, but a lot of it's just so overwhelming. I can't wait to share some pics once we get things pulled together.<br />
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Here's a pic of me Friday morning...I haven't worn make-up in days and this was the beginning of the yucky stuff, but I'm keeping it real. And, you can sort of see my great kitchen in the background!!<br />
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Happy January 2nd!!</div>
lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-9923794188979774452016-12-29T15:11:00.000-05:002017-01-02T08:58:59.142-05:00Away in a MangerLuke 2: 12<br />
" This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. "<br />
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Well, here we are on the 5th day of Christmas and I've only written a blog one other time this entire month. Sheesh! We've got a lot of catching up to do. Just a few things going on at the "LOAE" (Lipstick on an Elephant), residence...<br />
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Let's start here. A few Sundays ago, my family and I went to a "drive-through nativity" at a local church. What a wonderful experience it was for the whole family. My toddler sat on my lap as we looped around to see all of the actors and live animals out and about, bringing to life the Christmas story. Everyone enjoyed it. My 10 year old even admitted she thought it was great. Being the sap that I am, I immediately started to tear up the moment the actors that played Mary and the angel Gabriel began their scene. What a wonderful reminder of the reason for this Christmas season.<br />
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The next Friday, we...MOVED!!!! Yup, that's the big news I was going to share with you, we moved! One week before Christmas, we moved to a beautiful, temporary, townhouse. The week before Thanksgiving, we put our house on the market and within 2 days had 2 offers. We quickly found a big beautiful townhouse to rent because settlement was scheduled within the month; and here we are. It has been such a whirlwind. And I've seen God's hand orchestrating it all. The timing for my family of every last detail, God had it covered! Now, I did use the word "temporary", here. We are hoping to start building our dream home soon. Please pray for this process for us and with us. I know that God has the perfect place for our family to finally settle in.<br />
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The week after we moved...Christmas came. "Somehow or other it came just the same! " <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Dr. Suess)</span>. We managed to get settled enough in that week to purchase a Christmas tree, decorate it, bake cookies, shop and wrap gifts for the whole crew! On Christmas Eve, we met my family at our local church and experienced a wonderful family service full of lessons and carols. My mother pointed out it was the first time in many years that my brother, my parents and me had Communion together. So special! What a whirlwind it has been; stressful, but also a time full of hope and happiness, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgz3HeL5eGAxVEZCmQVT_s-BQolANOxWU_k9AHeThO4nGCLHnpDVjxQscJCsjm-YG-Hh96MFpvr4gACuGvIo9JN5oygl1FedxSQanBgG4gq-W1iwNqDslhEic7ZF4plkJwPNvOkQuIfg/s1600/Screenshot_20161229-141542.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgz3HeL5eGAxVEZCmQVT_s-BQolANOxWU_k9AHeThO4nGCLHnpDVjxQscJCsjm-YG-Hh96MFpvr4gACuGvIo9JN5oygl1FedxSQanBgG4gq-W1iwNqDslhEic7ZF4plkJwPNvOkQuIfg/s400/Screenshot_20161229-141542.png" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve, sprinkling Magic Reindeer Dust .<br />
Someone is so excited!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning, after opening gifts.</td></tr>
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This week we are still unpacking and trying to get temporarily settled in. We are so blessed to have been led to this house (go to this link to see the beautiful homes that <a href="http://tenoakshomes.com/">Ten Oaks Homes</a> builds). I pray that this season has brought you, and continues to bring you, much comfort and joy. Hope was born that starry Christmas night, in a humble way, for all people. The most innocent precious lamb, born in a manger, that was God himself incarnate, born as a sacrifice for us so that we may live eternally. "The hopes and fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jk7QlNoEGj1RUWwt8M3UCovXhwXHm9XJorq8cAb07Xv9KatzYFJaSWEul8peuAARihnP0H03RqdlF7MFXn_bfDb5WbrgkHoAO2qN2KyzWUo8iOrsj-k0gbg4YJ1gcDmC_MFdNHNx1fA/s1600/Screenshot_20161229-141607.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Jk7QlNoEGj1RUWwt8M3UCovXhwXHm9XJorq8cAb07Xv9KatzYFJaSWEul8peuAARihnP0H03RqdlF7MFXn_bfDb5WbrgkHoAO2qN2KyzWUo8iOrsj-k0gbg4YJ1gcDmC_MFdNHNx1fA/s640/Screenshot_20161229-141607.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our tree Christmas morning before the children opened their presents.<br />
I just love our new living room. The wood beams on the ceiling are very "Fixer Upper"-esque, and I have a gas fireplace!!</td></tr>
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I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!</div>
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<br />lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-24841493813684653892016-12-08T11:47:00.000-05:002016-12-08T11:47:07.499-05:00Not Chip or JoannaProverbs 21: 9<br />
" Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. "<br />
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What a verse, LOL! My poor hubby. Although, I have to say in my defense, sometimes it could go either way. Last Thursday, my hubby and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary!! Let me tell you, it has been a wild ride! I married a man that knew the instant he met me, I was "the one". He also knew that I had 3 children and that I was going through a divorce, and that my divorce was...shall we say, "less than pretty??" We dated for 3 years before we got married and then, 9 months and 3 days later had our first baby boy. Then less than 2 years later we had our first baby girl, then the year we turned 40 our next baby girl was born, and finally 4 years ago we had our last baby. It's been a crazy, busy life with lots of ups and downs, but a good life grounded in our faith and our hope, and most importantly, our love. Thank you for loving me and being my biggest advocate all of these years, my Love. I can't wait to spend the rest of my years with you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeXMq6j4xdz0Rb_WjAEEJPbWJm1Aa3qvRFskqspBUPlZhBs_5zR0NllAQZ14xmjskwTy7z_A7wFKdAUk9bWsLZ2lrv_N9pLY4dGm9vJEx_9pTCthufGZYiYqL_-jLOFJb4Z4WIg0omsg/s1600/Screenshot_20161126-173015.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeXMq6j4xdz0Rb_WjAEEJPbWJm1Aa3qvRFskqspBUPlZhBs_5zR0NllAQZ14xmjskwTy7z_A7wFKdAUk9bWsLZ2lrv_N9pLY4dGm9vJEx_9pTCthufGZYiYqL_-jLOFJb4Z4WIg0omsg/s640/Screenshot_20161126-173015.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are about a week before our anniversary in Annapolis.<br />We were married in Annapolis and lived there for many years. What a beautiful city!</td></tr>
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Last Tuesday, November 29th, the first episode of season 4 of <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/shows/fixer-upper">Fixer Upper</a> came on. I was looking forward to it for weeks. I missed it. I really like the farmhouse chic style of Joanna Gaines, and love to see the houses completely decorated and beautiful for it's new owners. That would be a dream of mine, to move into a new home completely furnished and decorated from top to bottom. Of course, a fully stocked refrigerator and pantry would make that dream even better!! But, what makes the show even better is the great rapport and candor between Chip and Joanna Gaines. It would be just another decorating show without the antics of Chip and the eye rolling of Joanna. My husband and I like to watch it together. I'd like to think that we could be the next Chip and Joanna, but probably not. We have renovated and built our share of houses over the years, however, it would take us years to finish a house, we've been renovating our current home for 6 years!! I think the network probably needs a quicker turnaround time than that. Also, my husband would die before he ate a bug or put an old toothbrush in his mouth. He would be great at telling you how to do things properly and perfectly, though. I, too, could not do what Joanna does because I wouldn't be able to make a decision about the design or decor of the house. I would be a nervous wreck second guessing myself. Our lucky customers would be walking into a house that had hardly anything done, but what was done, would be perfect. And, they would have a bunch of mismatched furniture because I couldn't make up my mind what style I was going for. So, Chip and Joanna we are not. What I do think we have in common with the Gaines' is our faith and I look forward to reading their new book, "<a href="https://magnoliamarket.com/book/">The Magnolia Story</a>". This would make a lovely Christmas gift for the Chip or Joanna in your life (hint, hint!!).<br />
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I can't wait to share some more things with you in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned. And...if you are missing my blog (I hope, I hope). I hope to be able to write more regularly after the busy holiday season.<br />
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I pray the start of your December is making all things merry and bright for you and your family!!</div>
<br />lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-54110525917981861702016-11-30T09:18:00.000-05:002016-11-30T09:18:14.167-05:00ThankfulPhilippians 4: 6<br />
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. "<br />
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Whew, Lord, let me tell you, I prayed specifically last week for something that I have been praying about for a long time. Last week, with this verse written on the page of my journal, I specifically prayed "with thanksgiving". There is no shortage of God working in my life right now. Not a day goes by that I don't see God's plan unfolding, like a flower blossoming before me. I can't wait to share all of this with you, and in the next few weeks you'll know!!!<br />
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Another thing that I'm thankful for happened last Thursday. All of my beautiful children were at my parents house at the same time. It rarely happens these days. So I am extremely thankful that I got to spend the day with them.<br />
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Here are some pics from my very thankful, Thanksgiving.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdkxLYLkjtzuGieyZvE4hj0ntGF5B8lprs35eoDVdoJpF_sIBaMXPWrTJXkR0t4rCVkrMI57uEskhywX7-p9szl3vx6tyHvYVP2Rr8PsRAG7UcQsmsswQW2f0W-vEvqjWwQix84TCrSk/s1600/20161124_123502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdkxLYLkjtzuGieyZvE4hj0ntGF5B8lprs35eoDVdoJpF_sIBaMXPWrTJXkR0t4rCVkrMI57uEskhywX7-p9szl3vx6tyHvYVP2Rr8PsRAG7UcQsmsswQW2f0W-vEvqjWwQix84TCrSk/s400/20161124_123502.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've been making this pumpkin cake for about 24 years. <br />My 2nd daughter was born in October, so for her first birthday (and many after) she had a fall theme.<br />I baked this for her, a spice cake with cream cheese icing, yum!</td></tr>
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<br />Here was my highlight...<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOV6l_gycFVhsLfX9ofcf8_Xrp-Oh1n7Qr4uAgMX8vmXMa-6uo3nP_e0EPyfV9b7W_VdjTqXjj11q-SjTZs8kY6iZtKyGyTS-Hm4iChfhAPzrHhzGEYr4jLmT20CH5o_4xGTJ2h80xhM/s1600/20161124_175436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOV6l_gycFVhsLfX9ofcf8_Xrp-Oh1n7Qr4uAgMX8vmXMa-6uo3nP_e0EPyfV9b7W_VdjTqXjj11q-SjTZs8kY6iZtKyGyTS-Hm4iChfhAPzrHhzGEYr4jLmT20CH5o_4xGTJ2h80xhM/s640/20161124_175436.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of my kiddos (+1) together, in the same place, at the same time!!<br />(the +1 is my daughter's boyfriend)</td></tr>
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and this...<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQezs830wZ255HUhik8r7cjLPr35UMB7b0fWfXn7hMpcRO1vwDewbYFQW_RU9UzrAkLpayT0JFVw6tB4cp_o-tGlL0xsXSs12XnvdywDIpc7YjDvIwL48mDYL2rAfskg8bpxkGbZ4iRc/s1600/20161124_175527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQezs830wZ255HUhik8r7cjLPr35UMB7b0fWfXn7hMpcRO1vwDewbYFQW_RU9UzrAkLpayT0JFVw6tB4cp_o-tGlL0xsXSs12XnvdywDIpc7YjDvIwL48mDYL2rAfskg8bpxkGbZ4iRc/s640/20161124_175527.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I jumped in on this one.<br />Thank you, Lord, for my kids!</td></tr>
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<br />Today, I encourage you to pray with thanksgiving in every situation. Sometimes it's hard to see God working when things are going bad. But, He's there all the time, and all the time He is good!<div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Genesis 15:20, " You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...")</span></div>
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Happy Wednesday!!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-52707877810063091602016-11-29T14:43:00.000-05:002016-11-29T14:43:22.521-05:00Party!!Psalm 34: 8<br />
" Taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. "<br />
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This verse seemed appropriate for the last couple of weeks. I've already tasted and seen Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house. Yummy! Then, later this week, my birthday dinner; and then 2 days later, my youngest's birthday; and the next day her birthday party. Lots of celebrating with good food. Not sure about you, but food is important to me. So many celebrations, so much food! So happy!!<br />
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Things have been kinda hectic around here lately. I can't wait to share some BIG things with you. You're just going to have to wait, though, because I'm just too busy right now. Not only that but my "baby", who's going to be 4 on Saturday, is sick. Poor thing. And, it's her birthday week, so she needs to get better quick! This year she opted for a superhero themed party. You know I like a good theme. A theme makes organizing a party so much easier. Another thing that is going to make her party easier for me, is that we're having it at the recreation center where she takes gymnastics. Her gymnastics coach will be leading the children for about an hour, and there is a room where we will be able to set up for the party. So no activities to plan for me, just food and a little decor.<br />
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Here are some things that I'm getting together for her Superhero party...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Superhero Party Decorations Poms: " height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/db/cf/67/dbcf67cde71f316b1ad9ee35c6865961.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="265" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girl has chosen, Batman, Wonder Woman and Spiderman as her heroes.<br />This looks like something I could do...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Loot bags for superhero party. Just printed logos, cut them out, then glued them on. Fifteen minutes!: " height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/da/86/c5/da86c59c478e27075b35fa03ed3a22ba.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These look like super simple goody bags that I could make with things from the $ store.</td></tr>
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<br />I am so fortunate to have a friend that is going to make cupcakes for the party. Here's what I'm thinking...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Superhero cupcake stand inspired by Wonder Woman, Batgirl & Joker. I used colored tissue paper to wrap different sized boxes. All the decorations are made using assorted card stock. Joker: I found an online tutorial for making Joker's bow tie out of card stock. Used glitter card stock for his lapels. Super easy. Used actual buttons for his button and took the sunflower from an old silk flower arrangement that I had laying around the house. Wonder Woman: her "WW" was free-handed. Found an ...: " height="400" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/fb/e2/8a/fbe28aabb74b799949894fc796ec20f3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I like this idea of using boxes as a cupcake stand.</td></tr>
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For food, I'm keeping it simple. Pizza, a veggie tray and some chips. I'll also be purchasing $ store tablecloths in black and gold, red and blue. And that is a wrap. I can't wait to share some pics from the party.<div>
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I pray you have a wonderful week!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-69335142582447423882016-11-17T10:13:00.000-05:002016-11-17T15:03:15.276-05:00Nifty for 50Numbers 8: 25<br />
" but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. "<br />
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This is now my favorite Bible verse. I may even have to get it tattooed on my tush (I was thinking forehead, but decided I didn't want everyone to know how old I was!). Well kids and hubby, this is it, I'm giving my 2 weeks notice. I'll go ahead and supervise, but ya'll are going to have start pulling your own weight. It's in the Bible for goodness sake! Thank you, Lord, that you have given me a sense of humor, and that at least I make myself laugh!!<br />
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So, in 2 weeks I will be 50. And since you all are clamoring to know what I would like for my birthday, I thought I'd let you in on some of my favorite gift ideas for people in my advanced stage of life. <br />
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1. A Day of Beauty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Jordan Thomas Salon & Spa" border="0" src="http://jordanthomassalonandspa.com/img/logo-inner.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many salons offer Spa or beauty packages, for a day of pampering. <br />
<a href="http://jordanthomassalonandspa.com/news/">Jordan Thomas</a> is a local Salon that has several options, some even include lunch!<br />
Check out some of your local salons for packages and specials.</td></tr>
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2. A new outfit (to coincide with said "Day of Beaty")<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Talbots Looks We Love" src="https://www.talbots.com/images/stylestories/kitchencozy/looks/105405_LP_Dec_360_images_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this perfectly preppy ensemble. All of this is from <a href="https://www.talbots.com/online/browse/occasion-ready-outfits-confetti-plaid-a-line-skirt/_/N-1472676251?intcmp=20161116_StyleStory_CozyKitchen_PerfectPartyPlaid">Talbots</a>.</td></tr>
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or this adorable sweater would be perfect for a girl who could never have too many navy & white stripes...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Whale & Nautical Stripe Tinsel-Decorated Sweater" height="400" src="https://talbots.scene7.com/is/image/Talbots/ProductOverlay?$overlayImage=Talbots/no-sticker&$productImage=Talbots/64121696_0997" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="293" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.talbots.com/online/browse/product_details.jsp?id=prdi41210&defaultColor=0997&N=0&Ntt=whale%20sweater&selectedConcept=">Whale & Nautical Stripe Tinsel-Decorated Sweater</a>- Talbots<br />
Perfect sweater with a pair of jeans and some cute leopard flats.</td></tr>
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3. Alex & Ani bracelets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.alexandani.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/b/cbd14sfrg_v2.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm in love with this Sunflower design. The sunflowers remind me of my baby Angelo,<br />
and this bracelet actually benefits the Alzheimer's Association. 20% of the proceeds from each bracelet sold, will advance research and support for those living with Alzheimer's.<br />
<a href="http://www.alexandani.com/sunflower-charm-bangle.html">Sunflower Charm Bangle/Alzheimer's Association- Alex And Ani</a></td></tr>
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4. Candles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.yankeecandle.com/media/images/product/small/1199580.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my home to smell good, and it puts me in a good mood.<br />
Candles are always terrific gift.<br />
<a href="http://www.yankeecandle.com/product/home-for-the-holidays/_/R-1199580">Home for the Holidays- Yankee Candle</a></td></tr>
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5. A new phone case and a wireless charger...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="OtterBox - Commuter Series Case for Samsung Galaxy J3 - Aqua sky - Front Zoom" src="http://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/5551/5551200_sd.jpg;maxHeight=550;maxWidth=642" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OtterBox makes great durable phone cases. While I love my Kate Spade phone case, I've dropped my phone a few times and it didn't take the shock as well as I would have liked (it's peeling, sorry Honey!). <br />
<a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/otterbox-commuter-series-case-for-samsung-galaxy-j3-aqua-sky/5551200.p?skuId=5551200&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=0c2d13a1-f214-4d0f-9afb-d5954c31a4c6&ksprof_id=10&ksaffcode=pg129219&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2">OtterBox Commuter Series- Best Buy</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="TYLT - VU Wireless Charger - Blue - Front Zoom" src="http://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7551/7551102_sd.jpg;maxHeight=550;maxWidth=642" height="274" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea how a wireless charger works... but I love the look of this one.<br />
<a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/tylt-vu-wireless-charger-blue/7551102.p?skuId=7551102">TYLT VU Wireless Charger- Best Buy</a></td></tr>
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Just a few nifty gift ideas for someone who might be turning 50 soon. But I bet these are some good gift ideas for just about any mom on your Christmas or birthday list.<br />
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I pray you have a great Thursday!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-62085684941526614732016-11-11T11:57:00.000-05:002016-11-17T14:57:36.675-05:00It's in the bag1 Samuel 17: 40<br />
" Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with the sling in his hand approached the Philistine. "<br />
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I have never carried 5 smooth stones in my bag. But, in my bag/purse, I can easily carry several bottles of water, my wallet, makeup bag, change purse, my daughters epi-pen, a stack of napkins from Chick-fil-A, some straws, and enough snacks for my entire family of 6. It feels like I'm carrying around 5 smooth boulders sometimes! Whew, what a week we've been having. I have experienced highs and lows like nobody's business. Thank you, Lord, that the election is now over!! I pray that as a nation we can move on together in peace and in unity: one nation, under God. I know that some of us felt like we were approaching Goliath with only stones in our bag. To some, victory; to others, the agony of defeat. Thankfully in the Bible story above, David was victorious, and his faith in God got him through many other "giant" situations. Not only did David trust in God, he praised and worshipped him. The Bible has a book full of David's ups and downs, highs and lows in the Psalms. Through it all, David trusted in God and worshipped Him. I encourage you to come to God on bended knee in prayer, and with hands raised in worship. He will reign forever, and ever. Allelujah!<br />
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Now back to my bag...my purse. As you may or may not know, I have a very limited budget for my clothing and accessories, which is why having a blog in which I comment on fashion is pretty laughable at times. But, we all like to look good and find a good deal, so I'm your girl. I had been keeping an eye on a bag at <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/street-level-reversible-faux-leather-tote-wristlet/3559375?cm_mmc=google-_-productads-_-Women%3ABags%3ATote-_-935495&rkg_id=h-a0bbdc7700ee2820503700636c3e7537_t-1478876898&adpos=1o1&creative=56201907233&device=c&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQiA9ZXBBRC29cPdu7yuvrQBEiQAhyQZ9OaN2N_Nw0Crkxejddo4J4ITYvYLCRtMymq1TNxyAqwaApNC8P8HAQ">Nordstrom</a> that I just love. It's a reversible, faux leather tote from <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/street-level-reversible-faux-leather-tote-wristlet/3559375?cm_mmc=google-_-productads-_-Women%3ABags%3ATote-_-935495&rkg_id=h-a0bbdc7700ee2820503700636c3e7537_t-1478876898&adpos=1o1&creative=56201907233&device=c&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQiA9ZXBBRC29cPdu7yuvrQBEiQAhyQZ9OaN2N_Nw0Crkxejddo4J4ITYvYLCRtMymq1TNxyAqwaApNC8P8HAQ">Street level</a>. The price isn't bad, either, you can pick one up for under $50. I was going to try to get one until...this bag!!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AP5BFNCTQgoBoef-vQxmjjLBk3y1AeaEXrMgtUAD0-2Fj6EO5BggIYH0nsT4hqk2wqVBMYWwX1fcCcE-HrhAWt2ScZ5wUUZ-U0lt5DzCp_RsJac90wZXu3T6isJCWYqcMxuzn7HF4H0/s1600/20161011_070332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AP5BFNCTQgoBoef-vQxmjjLBk3y1AeaEXrMgtUAD0-2Fj6EO5BggIYH0nsT4hqk2wqVBMYWwX1fcCcE-HrhAWt2ScZ5wUUZ-U0lt5DzCp_RsJac90wZXu3T6isJCWYqcMxuzn7HF4H0/s640/20161011_070332.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This bag!!! I bought this faux leather reversible tote at...<a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/45970315?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227034539466&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=92140530288&wl4=pla-128647716768&wl5=9007821&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=45970315&wl13=&veh=sem">Walmart</a>!<br />
And, was under $50, well under $50. It only cost me $9.97!!!</td></tr>
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Here I am actually using the bag in black.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iJ3VjkW21IQsBO_1H4VQT6-hV7qEwGzJ4anbHrjsptd6_yNq_P5_6lrQ5w9eMYNmnDKZISbE9kYwRFk9xXcTWRmdinpAkzbP2ZFQQU8_54yODNgFqu-D6_Vsv0En7jzmgpHQrrUr6do/s1600/20161111_092909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iJ3VjkW21IQsBO_1H4VQT6-hV7qEwGzJ4anbHrjsptd6_yNq_P5_6lrQ5w9eMYNmnDKZISbE9kYwRFk9xXcTWRmdinpAkzbP2ZFQQU8_54yODNgFqu-D6_Vsv0En7jzmgpHQrrUr6do/s400/20161111_092909.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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and here in brown.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEO-Oc6Ei3IzpVeqQ0ZRf9s_uOcW20tPDLB4MNYQy4WndOiJdFO8uBDG1j7n7QyDKAhUjX1UKr4Hj8GOD-GIEXwyMxkfnAsbsCqbKtc5_SZxUAz3WqKCSW75bLvfFAFEC-U87seDgFwA/s1600/20161111_093243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEO-Oc6Ei3IzpVeqQ0ZRf9s_uOcW20tPDLB4MNYQy4WndOiJdFO8uBDG1j7n7QyDKAhUjX1UKr4Hj8GOD-GIEXwyMxkfnAsbsCqbKtc5_SZxUAz3WqKCSW75bLvfFAFEC-U87seDgFwA/s400/20161111_093243.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Cute, right??<br />
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Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be sad if someone wanted to invest some money and get me a great new handbag... but for me, right now, I'm perfectly content. Thank you, Lord, for all you provide for me and my family. We work hard and want to enjoy the fruits of our labor, but not at the cost of what is important or necessary for our family, church or community.<br />
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I pray you enjoy your weekend!</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3739017104255600976.post-2845340176303116762016-11-02T13:18:00.000-04:002016-11-02T13:18:10.059-04:00"Ask her Grandma..." Proverbs 17: 6<br />
"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. "<br />
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So yesterday, I was watching my friend's little girl (we'll call her "Madeline") who is 18 months old, while my daughter and her friend were in gymnastics. A little boy, who was there with his grandmother, had gotten some cookies from the snack machine while he was waiting for his big sister. Very sweetly, he asked his grandmother if he could share a cookie with Madeline (so sweet!), until she said...and I quote, " Ask her grandma if she can have one. " Yes, in this little story, I am referred to as the "GRANDMA"!!!! Someday, I want to be a grandmother, but right now, as none of my children are married, not so much. I realize that I am old enough to be a grandmother, too. My own parents were only 46 when they became grandparents for the first time. I also know that there are many other people who are grandparents way before they are 49 (I'm almost 50, but not quite there yet!). I suppose it was an honest mistake (humph!), but I don't have to like it! Moral of the story: Don't ask a woman if she's pregnant; she might not be, AND, don't assume a woman is a grandmother, it's way more flattering to ask if she's the mother and she'll love it that you thought she was young enough to be one!<br />
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My 50th birthday is now less than a month away. As you may have read in, <a href="http://lipstickonanelephant.blogspot.com/2016/10/fine-with-50.html">Fine with 50?</a>, the closer I get, the less thrilled I am about it (especially after the whole grandma thing!). Last night at the dinner table with my adorable family, I tried to tell them what I wanted for my birthday. I never finished my thought. Nobody was listening. I was interrupted and the subject was changed before you could say "Jack Robinson" (I'm not sure why that phrase came into my head, I guess I'm just getting old!). Help!! I'm not ready to be an old grandma yet! I wouldn't mind being the "hot", beautiful grandmother...but I digress. I'd love to know what your tried and true anti-aging tips are. Be honest, be clear, be specific. Is it essential oils? Which ones? Is it a lotion, a potion, a regimen??? Is it exercise, diet?? Which ones? What are you wearing? (let's be honest, just because you can still fit in clothes from the Juniors Dept doesn't mean you should still be wearing them!). Please comment below and tell me all of your secrets. I wanna know! I'll give them a try and write about them. Sounds like a plan.<br />
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I pray today, that if you are a grandmother, that you embrace it: grandchildren are a "crown". I know how I felt when my brother had children, so much joy and love, and I don't really like him all that much (joke, Mom!). I can't begin to imagine the love, and the joy I'll feel when my own children begin their families. Lord, children are such a blessing, each one of them. I have had the joy and felt the pain and the overwhelming pride at being called a mother, thank you, Lord, for each of my beautiful children. One day, I hope to be called grandmother (I'd prefer mother and have to correct someone), and wear that crown with pride!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLkET1xnuXl4z2VefVjWjoTVPfy2QpECENNZeUe94Zwn2sv93Lom3XBWqwiT8NlYOfAPHJVZApf7m09Hv1iHEFndpDPyQ1HrgalAKTxIJVXUQTRSso9hIfBmWE109FS78Um3oMQtyhkM/s1600/20161022_152424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLkET1xnuXl4z2VefVjWjoTVPfy2QpECENNZeUe94Zwn2sv93Lom3XBWqwiT8NlYOfAPHJVZApf7m09Hv1iHEFndpDPyQ1HrgalAKTxIJVXUQTRSso9hIfBmWE109FS78Um3oMQtyhkM/s400/20161022_152424.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a recent pic of me that I took before I went out to dinner with my 13yr old and her bff.<br />I didn't feel grandmotherly! I took it because my daughter told me I looked cute ( she's always been my favorite!).</td></tr>
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**Don't forget to leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you, and tell me about those anti-aging tips. I feel like I'm fading fast...**</div>
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lipstickonanelephanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11235270318919985295noreply@blogger.com0