Grand Total for Purpose Project & Details of the 5K Run.

Happy Friday Friends!!!

I can't believe it's already three days into May. 

April was such a crazy adventure with all the fundraising that went on here for the Mocha Club.

I am so thankful to each and every one of you who donated, tweeted and supported the project through prayer! 

Even though I did not raise the intended amount - we still raised enough to make a difference in the lives of 2 children!!! I am SO thankful! =)

Total raised: $530!!!!

So of course I will still be running my 5K to support these two kids.

The race is scheduled for May 11th and I will continue to instagram updates about my training progress leading up to the big event. 

Then on the day, you can expect more pictures and a final time about whether I beat the 26mins goal or not eeek!! =S  

Thanks again friends for all your help! 

I am hoping to get back into my regular blogging soon. April was a crazy month, I was working two jobs at one point but now am settled into my new one.

So thankful for God's provision.

(Training Sessions)

Hope you guys have had a great month! 

I want to hear your updates.

Much Love!

L

P.S. Winner of the Earring Giveaway is Chelsea Francis!!! 

Heart Stirrings.

{Via}

Hey sweet friends! So I have avoided writing on the topic of Valentines Day since I wasn't really sure what to say. I honestly I have also been avoiding talking about marriage on this space and the way in which the Lord wrote my love story because I have been afraid of upsetting so many single girls who may be struggling with discontentment. I remember being in that situation and really the last thing I want is for someone to interpret my joy as 'rubbing it in' over where God has you in your love story.

Yet, I also don't know if I am doing any single girls service by not talking about how the Lord scripted our story. Because while waiting one of the most precious things was hearing how others waited on the Lord for an answer on who He had for them, struggled through the trials while waiting but saw joy in the end, and hearing about how He had orchestrated a love story. Yes, there may have been a little tinge of jealousy. But at the end of the day, it was so encouraging to hear how someone else had waited on the Lord and watched Him fulfill His promise of having perfect plans. It gave hope knowing He had perfect plans for me also.

All that to say, my heart is in encouraging others in purity, waiting and pointing others to Jesus. Falling in love with Him and learning that He is your first love. At the same time, I don't want to be ungrateful for the beautiful love story He scripted in my life by not sharing it to encourage others. So if I do share I want you all to know my heart in this. To encourage you that our God is in the business of writing individual beautiful romances.
So maybe it is finally time to share our love story with you friends. I'm not planning on doing that this evening, but maybe in the near future I will share how I found myself married to my sweet husband in a story that couldn't have been written by anyone other than our God.

So all that said.

I wanted to share a little about Valentines Day. Not because its a special day, but I think that often these holidays have a way of reminding us how we should be cherishing relationships throughout the rest of the year. I totally agree that we should be loving our spouses and family members on a daily basis.
Yet I find my heart stirred on this 'special' occasions almost as though they serve as beautiful reminders to keep cherishing what we should be cherishing. How an anniversary, valentines day or birthday can remind us to see the blessing that another person is in our lives. How Christmas can point us to worship because of God's gift of His son. Something we should worship Him for daily, but Christmas serves as that wonderful reminder to help us, same for Easter when we focus on the Cross. So its not that these holidays are the only day we do these things, but at least for me they help my heart. Help me focus on what I should be focusing on, worshiping God and counting Blessings in life.

Our Valentines Day wasn't particularly eventful. But it was time where we could get dressed up, go out to dinner, enjoy seeing each other delight in little cards and gifts. And have that reminder that we should cherish each other. Whether its with a spouse or your family, its a great reminder to love one another and something we can do no matter what relationship status we are in.

Every year on Valentines Day I return to the same article written quite a few years ago now. I wanted to share my post from last year here again:

This is perhaps more of an {On My Heart} post, but since it is Valentines Day, I thought it appropriate to share an article I return to every February 14th since reading it a few years ago.

It was written by a wonderful Sister-in-Christ who shared what the Lord taught her while she was praying through her ideal husband.

Having written a similar list myself (when I was 16), I am a huge advocate of this idea. Being able to prayerfully consider what qualities you desire your husband to have (and even from yourself before you get married).

Then pray and ask the Lord to help grow your future husband in these ways.

When a guy then comes into your life and doesn't display these qualities, trust the Lord that this may not be the guy for you.

If he is, the Lord will show you.

I found this super helpful as it showed me any 'red flags' in a guy and helped keep my heart in the right place when meeting someone who I was taken with.

With that in mind, this sweet girl was praying through her list of qualities and felt that the Lord was answering her:

I prayed for a man committed to God.

Jesus smiled, “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30

I prayed for a man that would be a spiritual leader.

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No man cometh

to the Father, but by me.”  John 14:6

I prayed for a man of high standards and integrity.

 “He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth.”  I Peter 2:22

I prayed for a man of the Word.

 “I am the living Word, and

I came to live with you.”  John 1:14

I prayed for a man that knew how to be a servant.

 “Jesus made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”  Philippians 2:7

I prayed for a man that was full of spiritual life.

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”  John 10:10

I prayed for a man of faith and prayer.

Then I watched with amazement as He went out and spend all night in prayer...for me!  Luke 6:12

I prayed for a man that would provide for my needs.

He not only fed the five thousand long ago, He also feeds me today! Mark 6:41, Philippians 4:19

I prayed for a man that would be the head of the home and a leader. Someone to look up to spiritually.

 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  Isaiah 55:9

I prayed for a man that knew how to love others...even the unpleasant outcasts.

Jesus replied, “In that while you were all yet sinners [the lowest outcast],

I died for you.”  Romans 5:8

I prayed for someone that would help me walk closer to God.

And the more I got to know him, the closer I drew to God.  Psalm 23, Matthew 6:33

 {Adapted from The Perfect Valentine, Set Apart Girl Magazine, Feb 2009, Used with Permission}

What a beautiful reminder sweet friends, that all we desire in a relationship can be found in our first love.

In Christ alone. He alone satisfies.

Not even an earthly relationship compares.

Life is not more satisfying once you have a husband in your life.

He alone satisfies our every need.

Valentines Day is a day we can spend remembering our Love for the Lord. 

Don't get depressed, remember His promises on this day.

He has beautiful plans for you and longs for relationship with you.

If you want a love story today, start an eternal one with your prince. 

He won't let you down.

You are loved more than you will ever know, sweet friends!

Much Love,

L

Sharing Our Stories: Oh How I Love Jesus, Because He first Loved me.

Many years ago, I sat in the pew of the church shaking a little as I listened to my summer camp group leader talk about what it meant to love Jesus. What it meant to become a ‘christian.’ I read through the little booklet in my hand and wondered what there was to question as I understood the bullet points it had.

• I Believed that I had done bad things in my life
• I Believed that God was perfect
• I Believed Jesus had died on the cross for me to restore relationship with God as I had done these bad things
• I wanted my life to change, to live my life for Jesus instead of me

I told my leader I wanted to pray the prayer that followed as I understood and wanted to make the commitment. I tried to make it not a big deal, but I sensed there was something big happening. She prayed with me and together we signed a date. 

I was only six years old at the time.

I was so fortunate to have grown up in a Christian home. I had two parents who introduced me to Jesus, took me to church and youth group. They were pretty strict about the upbringing of me and my sister and showed us we were loved. I never doubted the existence of God as a child, He was real to me. Looking back, I believe that I really did understand all those bullet points in the little booklet at six years old. But I still did not understand that last one. I signed that booklet and yet continued on as though everything was the same.

It wasn't until I was thirteen and realising how much I had tried to live life in junior high for my friends and for the acceptance of those around me, that I truly started to understand the concept of living for Jesus. 

That daily choice of choosing to do something to show His love to someone, instead of doing something because it makes me look good.

So one night during worship at youth group in a new city, with new people all around me, in a new place...this realisation came to me and I signed a commitment to rededicate my life to Christ. 

To Live for Him this time instead of me. 

At first it was effort to worry less about what people thought, to walk down the halls of my school and realize that as long as I was following Jesus, I probably would not be popular here. 

And over time that became ok. 

The Lord gave me an incredible sense of His love and peace. He brought friends into my life who shared my love for Him, friends who encouraged me and challenged me to grow in my walk with Him. Not many of these in my school setting.

Finally after a relationship with a guy that I desperately wanted to happen didn't work out towards the end of high school, I began to truly fall in love with Jesus. I began to no longer see him as just a good friend or a father figure to rely and depend on. I began to see Him as my first love. I made a commitment in college to read through the entire Bible, and His word came alive to me during those days as I read about his faithfulness in the Old Testament and his love through the sacrifice of His son in the New Testament. Graciously I even read through the book of Numbers and came away in awe of God and His character. If you've ever read Numbers, you’ll see how that must have been a God thing. 

The more I read about Him, the more I understood who He was. He became an incredible constant in my life, a foundation for my understanding of love. Even though once again I was surrounded by people who didn't know Him and didn't love Him, the Lord provided several people to encourage me, to challenge me....often these sweet friends were in a different geographical location to me. 

To this day, I am thankful for that challenging situation where a relationship with a guy I truly wanted, didn't work out. (At least not in my timing)

Because God had bigger plans, plans to show me how much He loved me first. Living life for Him is hard, but we don’t have to do it alone.

So friends, if I could encourage you in any way today. I would want you to know that no matter what situation you find yourself in, there is a person waiting to comfort you. He knows you and loves you so much! (see what he thinks of you)

Run into His arms and begin to fall in love. You won’t ever regret that decision.

Much Love,

L

(This post was first shared on a sweet friend's blog)

Pearls & Tunes Vol 9.

All of us need it.
Have a longing for it.
And we all go looking for it in a multitude of different places.
We turn to our families, guys or applause from our friends. If those fail us we may even turn to drugs, alcohol, or other addictions to fill the void.
Often we don't even know its love that we are looking for in the first place. 
We turn to things that we hope will fill us, make us feel good about ourselves.
If like me, you have tried filling that longing with any of those things, you will also understand that none of them satisfies.
Some may feel great for a moment, but then leave you feeling empty.

If I could tell you just one thing, friend.
You.Are.Loved.
Truth is none of these things will satisfy.
We are all just like the Prodigal son, either for a season or a longer period.
But we have a Father who waits for us with arms wide open.
Longing for us to run to Him once again or even for the first time.
You.Are.Loved.
No matter where you've been or what you have done in your past! Don't believe the lies telling you that because you messed up, you aren't worth loving. This is SO far from the truth!

 Today may these lyrics of truth echo throughout your heart:

Your love never fails, never gives up
Never runs out on me

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant in the trial and the change
One thing remains

On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains

Your love never fails, never gives up
Never runs out on me

In death, in life
I'm confident and covered by the power of Your great love
My debt is paid
There's nothing that can separate my heart from Your great love

(One thing Remains, Kristian Stanfill)

I truly believe that each of you is loved more than you will ever know or understand, friends!

Never Forget that truth! 

{Via}

Much Love,

L

Dress: Old Navy

Black Stockings: f21

Boots: Old Navy

Owl Necklace: Claires

Earrings: All Glorious Within Store

God's Princess.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful Princess who was loved by the King of Kings. Loved by the God of heaven and earth. Ruler of the heavens and maker of the universe.

She was the apple of His eye. Daddy’s little girl. No earthly father could ever demonstrate the Love this heavenly Father had for His little girl, His love was perfect....because 

He is Love.

He knew her before time even began, He formed her body and knew the number of hairs on her head. So much care and thought went into her existence. He knew the perfect plans ahead for her in this world. Plans to give her hope and a wonderful future. He never withheld any good thing from her, when she sought after Him. He knew her personality, understood her dreams and desires. He was with her through trials and disappointments, never leaving her side, walking with her through the darkest valleys in life. He saw her heartaches and disappointments, forgiving her for the mistakes she made when she cried out to Him and He erased them through Christ's sacrifice.

She was bought at a high price so that she could have a relationship with Him for eternity. So that she would someday be with Him in Heaven for eternity, 

in a place specially created for her.  

He encouraged her to fix her eyes on Him, to love those He had placed in her life and to always walk closely with Him. Trusting that He is always faithful.

You friend, are that Princess.

Thankful// for God's Love for Us.

For your Reference:

{John 3:16, Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 2:9, Deuteronomy 10:14, Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 43:4, 1 John 4:8, Psalm 139, Jeremiah 29:11-12, Psalm 84:11, 1 Corinthians 13, psalm 23, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18, 1 John 3:1, Psalm 86:5, Psalm 103:12, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Psalm 100:5, John 14:3, John 3:16, 1 John 1:9, Hebrews 12:2, John 13:34-35, Deuteronomy 1:30-31, Hebrews 10:23}

{Love}

The best picture we have of the way God loves us, is marriage.

For this reason, my heart is also so full after weddings.

After getting married myself, they feel so much more meaningful to me.
As they have become such an act of worship.

'Love is patient, love is kind. I

t does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, 

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.'

~1 Corinthians 13:4-8~

Especially after watching two sweet friends get married.

Praying for an amazing marriage and many years

of loving each other and the Lord together.

Much Love,

L

Where do you find your worth?

{Via}

I don't know how many of you ladies have had the opportunity to watch

 (or read if you are a book-lover) The Help. 

I watched it when it came to redbox with a precious friend when she came to visit last December

and just loved it. 

This past week, while I had no internet and felt completely pooped from all the moving and cleaning.....

I decided to watch it again.

This time the sweet interaction between Skeeter (the main character) 

and the maid from her childhood, Constantine, 

reinforced a similar thing I had read in my devotions 

(I started reading Rebecca St James Pure about a week ago).

Skeeter is feeling depressed about her school friends and mother telling her

she isn't pretty and is sitting alone in the garden.

Constantine says to her:

'I wish you'd quit feeling sorry for yourself!

Now that's ugly!' 

She goes on to tell Skeeter how everyday that you wake up in life

you have to make a decision about whether you are going

to believe what other people are saying about you.

It so resonated the message from the day two devotion I had read about 

who you let determine your worth.

As women, are we basing our value on what others think of us? 

Do we spend all our time making ourselves beautiful because of

how others will respond to us? Do we behave a certain way to win the respect

of those whose opinion we value?

Do we let other people's negative comments about us get us down?

Do we hear those comments and opinions above what our precious heavenly Father thinks of us?

There are a few people in my life who I would love to have positive opinions about

me. But to what extend should I want those opinions?

I certainly don't think I should change who the Lord has made me and change

the ways He is using in ministry just to seem better to a select few.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? 

Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 

So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

[Matthew 10:29-31]

I am not trying to preach a self-worth message, I am just talking about seeing

oneself with God-worth (not self-worth).

Choosing to believe the Lord's truths about yourself instead of trying to win the approval

and respect of others to find worth.

{via}

I hope to never live life with a sense that God is disappointed in me,

that I will never be good enough.

But instead to choose to believe His truth.

That I am loved and secure in Him.

I belong to Him.

I am accepted and cherished - By Him.


Remember that there is one person whose opinion matters.
He has already told you what He thinks of you.
(Read the Bible to know more...)


Don't base your opinion of yourself on false or conditional love from others.
You are not more important to Him because of what you do or don't
do for others.
Don't get so wrapped up in selfishness that you can't see beyond yourself
to see who you are in Christ.
(Yes, that is possible....)


You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, 
though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: 
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
[Romans 5:6-8]

{Via}


Remember ladies.....

The Lord loves You.
He wants to spend time with You
(even if it feels like no-one else wants to).
He values You.
He won't exclude You.
He understands You & Cherishes You.

Know that you are Loved by the Lord.


Where do you find your worth?



Much Love,
L

P.S. I hope to be back now with regular internet =) Thanks for being awesome hosts for my guest posters.