My church is doing a series called, "Masquerade." It's about the masks we all wear to hide the things we don't want others to see. The secrets we keep, the feelings we hide, the shame or fear we cover up....It has been very enlightening for me and I have learned so much.
Here are a few passages shared Sunday during the sermon that really touched me....
[Acts 3:19] Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
[Psalm 139:23-24] Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
[Joshua 1:9] 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.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
coffee table bench
Since I have moved into my cottage, I am just in love with decorating it.
Here's a picture of a living room. I love the colors and the coffee table bench....hmmm maybe a project for me and my dad? :)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
tortellini & tomato salad
YUM! I'm totally going to try this recipe. It look delicious.
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What's your favorite recipe? Comment below and add your favorite recipe to share with other readers.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Singles post
I love reading other people's blogs. I get great ideas and enjoy reading about their lives. It's interesting - it's like a window into someone's life.
I thought this was a really interesting blog post from a blogger I haven't caught up with in awhile. It's about connecting singles with other singles via blogs. Different and cute.
I invite you all to check it out. Spread the word, if you choose. It looks fun and I might give it a try (I have some single friends). :)
Show Us Your Singles!
I thought this was a really interesting blog post from a blogger I haven't caught up with in awhile. It's about connecting singles with other singles via blogs. Different and cute.
I invite you all to check it out. Spread the word, if you choose. It looks fun and I might give it a try (I have some single friends). :)
Show Us Your Singles!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Boundaries
I read this blog post this morning and thought to myself, "Wow, that's a great idea." It is about a married couple who established boundaries for their relationship starting back to when they were dating and still maintain them in their marriage.
Their boundaries: They do not eat a meal or ride in a car one-on-one with a member of the opposite sex.
While this couple's boundaries might seem ridiculous or sound crazy to some people, they don't to me. I have known marriages to fall apart because there were no boundaries, experiencing this personally. This is why many people, both men and women, have trust issues. It is not about what appears to be the case on the outside: crazy, absurd trust issues, it is about something deeper than that....respect and love for your significant other (married or not).
It might seem harmless or innocent, but often times that is how affairs start. An innocent coffee meeting or car ride to a conference, especially when they happen regularly. Affairs often start emotionally and then become physical. Both are extremely hurtful and disrespectful to your significant other.
Being conservative and setting boundaries in your relationship doesn't make you crazy or "restrict" your partner from "having a life outside of your relationship"....it's about respect. Your significant other shouldn't have outside relationships that walk the line of inappropriate. Put yourself in your partner's shoes....would he/she be ok with it? What would your kids think (if you have kids)? How will others perceive this "relationship" outside of your marriage with someone of the opposite sex? I know many people will argue, "I don't care what other people think," and that's fine, but I do. It is so humiliating when others know what's going on and you don't. It's not about being "insecure" in your relationship, it's about being confident and respectful of your relationship and your partner.
"But my significant other knows I love them." Sure they do, but actions speak louder than words.
Someone commented on this blogger's post asking what about mutual good friends or in-laws. I think that's ok, but it is up to the couple to draw their own boundaries. Look at Shania Twain's marriage....her best friend and her husband were having an affair.
I'm not saying that this couple's particular boundaries are for everyone, nor are setting boundaries. I just wanted to point out how effective having them can be in relationships and my personal opinions as to why.
To read the full blog post: Learning to be a wife
Their boundaries: They do not eat a meal or ride in a car one-on-one with a member of the opposite sex.
While this couple's boundaries might seem ridiculous or sound crazy to some people, they don't to me. I have known marriages to fall apart because there were no boundaries, experiencing this personally. This is why many people, both men and women, have trust issues. It is not about what appears to be the case on the outside: crazy, absurd trust issues, it is about something deeper than that....respect and love for your significant other (married or not).
It might seem harmless or innocent, but often times that is how affairs start. An innocent coffee meeting or car ride to a conference, especially when they happen regularly. Affairs often start emotionally and then become physical. Both are extremely hurtful and disrespectful to your significant other.
Being conservative and setting boundaries in your relationship doesn't make you crazy or "restrict" your partner from "having a life outside of your relationship"....it's about respect. Your significant other shouldn't have outside relationships that walk the line of inappropriate. Put yourself in your partner's shoes....would he/she be ok with it? What would your kids think (if you have kids)? How will others perceive this "relationship" outside of your marriage with someone of the opposite sex? I know many people will argue, "I don't care what other people think," and that's fine, but I do. It is so humiliating when others know what's going on and you don't. It's not about being "insecure" in your relationship, it's about being confident and respectful of your relationship and your partner.
"But my significant other knows I love them." Sure they do, but actions speak louder than words.
Someone commented on this blogger's post asking what about mutual good friends or in-laws. I think that's ok, but it is up to the couple to draw their own boundaries. Look at Shania Twain's marriage....her best friend and her husband were having an affair.
I'm not saying that this couple's particular boundaries are for everyone, nor are setting boundaries. I just wanted to point out how effective having them can be in relationships and my personal opinions as to why.
To read the full blog post: Learning to be a wife
Monday, June 20, 2011
All because two people fell in love....
I have shared some of the best memories with Matthew over the last year. I feel so blessed to have him in my life. I am so happy to have found love again. God is good.
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