Project 31 Day 15: Encouragement

Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.

Well hello blogging world.  I know, I know I have been absent.  To be honest, I have just not been feeling very creative lately.  The words don't flow, the ideas don't come easily, and so here I am, post-less.  As a way to start back into blogging I am going back to a trusty friend, Project 31.  I kind of put Project 31 on the back burner and I really want to finish it.  I truly believe that writing about beauty, in its truest sense is so crucial for young women.  Working with middle school girls, I see the demented idea of beauty that flows into these girls' eyes and heart.  I also wholeheartedly believe that we as women need to encourage one another.  I have not always had friends that poured into me and encouraged me, but I do not want to carry that into my current relationships.  I love this topic of encouragement.  I truly feel it is one of my spiritual gifts and I want to serve as a source of encouragement for young women, older women, and women my age.  I not only want to pour out encouragement, but I need to receive it as well.  

When I read this topic "encourage a friend" I didn't think of a friend, but I thought of another young woman in my life who I would love to encourage, my sister-in-law, Brittany.  She is six years younger than me, but I am so proud of her.  She just finished her first year of college and I can see the amazingly beautiful young woman she is becoming.  She is not only beautiful on the outside, but equally lovely on the inside.  She is fun, loving, and a beautiful example as a young woman.  She is sold out for Christ and I have seen her grow in her faith tremendously since we came into each others' lives.  She has managed to find a pod of faith filled people on a college campus full of temptation and opinions.  Her faith radiates and I know the Lord has amazing things in store for her.  I am so blessed to have her as a sister in my life and as a sister in Christ.  

I pray that each of us, as women, can reach out and encourage someone this week.  We are bombarded with expectations on what beauty looks like, how beauty feels, and the definition of a beautiful woman.  I hope that we can see beauty on an individual basis and when we see something that screams beauty that we won't hesitate to point it out and use our words to encourage another woman.  You and I both know we could all use words of encouragement, so be the one overflowing with encouragement and I promise you will be refilled.     

Project 31 Day 14: Style 31

Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!

First, please forgive the awful photo.  I just had to self-take it since I don't have a tripod or anyone else to take it.  Piper also decided she wanted to sneak in :)  So this is Style 31, post an outfit pic.  This is one of my go-to outfits for fall/winter.  It is comfy and easy.  The sweater is from Forever21, jeans from Old Navy.  The gray slouchy boots are my favorite!  I don't really have an immaculate closet, so whatever I can put together works.  I'm hoping to get more clothes for Christmas, so that I can share more outfits.  

What is your favorite fall/winter outfit?? 

On another note, last night we got all dressed up and headed to Brandon's company Christmas party at the Westin.  I look forward to it every year.  Any opportunity to wear a pretty dress, right?  They had good food, lots of desserts, and a live band.  It was great to meet some of Brandon's coworkers and their wives.  What kind of Christmas parties are y'all going to this year?

Project 31 Day 13: Perfecting Imperfection

 Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.

I'm not perfect.  I'm the first to admit it.  There are many things I would like to change about myself.  Some are necessary and some are my own critical eye.  Regardless of where the desire to change comes from change is necessary.  I want to continuously seek growth opportunities in my life.  

One of the main areas I want to improve upon is my patience, which ties hand-in-hand with my need to have a plan and have control.  I admittedly am a Type-A personality.  I like having a plan.  I like knowing what is coming next.  I need to be able to have control over the situation.  Being out of control, flying by the seat of my pants, is somewhat anxiety provoking for me.  This is where my patience issues come into play.  I was blessed with the gift of patience.  I get impatient, especially when there is not a plan, when there is a lack of decision making.  Now, this does not mean that I need every moment planned out with no spontaneity.  I like being prepared for what is coming next.  

The only problem is, I am not God.  I do not have it all figured out, but He does.  He is the mastermind behind my life.  When I get impatient I need to wait for the Lord.  When I get anxious about not having a plan, I need to press into my faith.  Last week, Pastor Craig Groeschel was our guest speaker at church and he gave an interesting illustration.  Jesus is the lamp unto our feet, but the lamp lights our feet not the entire journey ahead of us.  Jesus gives me exactly what I need to get through the present moment.  I don't need to question what lies ahead because Jesus' lamp moves with my feet.  I want to become more faithful and less impatient.  I want my plan to become smaller and His to become greater.  I am not in control nor should I be.   

Project 31 Day 12: Mean Girls

Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.

This is such a big question and I'm going to stay away from the obvious things that wear me out like having aunt flow visit every month and the fact that I have to blow up like a balloon when I get pregnant.  No, there is one thing that wears me out as a woman and that is other women.  Crazy as it sounds, other women wear me out.  The drama, the need to fit in, the general lack of self-respect in the world, the need to belittle others to lift yourself up.  Now, I know that not all women are like this, but there is a general theme throughout life I have noticed and it is the sheer fact that women can be mean.  

It wears me out that women are so mean to one another some times.  I see it every single day in my job.  Little girls saying things just to be mean, to make themselves feel better, to put someone else in the line of fire, so that they don't have to face their own insecurities.  Throughout my life I have seen girls be so ruthless in their words.  The passive aggressive game is exhausting and I frankly choose not to play it and this means that I often become the target.  

The sad thing is that this need to bring others down isn't just a characteristic of middle and high school girls.  No, it continues into adulthood and boy have I seen it first hand.  Sometimes I think women get cattier and more petty the older we get.  The jealousy, the selfishness, the rudeness, and the ultimate lack of respect for each other only brings me down.  I think this is why I have always had an easier time being friends with guys.  

This is why I am so thankful for each of the strong women in my life like my mom, my sister, and women in my church.  These are the ones who have shown me how to be a strong woman, who help me deal with others who aren't so strong.  I am thankful for each of you ladies who read my blog.  I see what a true woman of Christ is supposed to look like.  I see that each of us go through similar struggles and this is encouraging.  These are the women who lift me up, who don't wear me out.  I am encouraged and empowered by each of you and thankful for this influence in my life, which overcomes all else.   

Project 31 Day 11: Good Enough to Eat

 Day 11.  Post a recipe
Buffalo ChickenDip

Ok people it's tailgate season!!  In honor of college football starting this week I decided to post a tailgate recipe.  This is one of our favorite party/cookout/tailgate recipes and it is quick and easy to make.  It is so yummy and everyone always asks for the recipe, so I thought I would share it with ya'll.  So here you go.

Ingredients:
Grilled chicken strips cut into bite size pieces (we use the frozen strips like Tyson)

2 bars of cream cheese (we use the 1/3 less fat)

1/2 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce or any buffalo sauce

1 cup ranch dressing

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Make It:

Preheat oven to 350*

Microwave the grilled chicken strips (enough  to thaw, about 5 min.)

Chop the chicken into small bit-size pieces

Spread the cream cheese on the bottom of a 9X13 glass pan (I usually put the cream cheese in the microwave to soften for easier spreading)

Spread the ranch dressing on top of the cream cheese

In a separate bowl, toss the chicken with the buffalo sauce

Evenly spread the chicken over the ranch/cream cheese layers

Top with cheese

Cover with foil and bake for 30 min.

Serve with Tostito's Scoops
Enjoy!

What are your favorite tailgate foods?

Project 31 Day 10: The Lessons of Marriage

Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? 

I think the better question here is what is He not teaching me as a wife.  I have learned so much since I have taken on the title of being Brandon's wife.  In case you didn't know, marriage takes work.  Yes it is wonderful, roses and butterflies, but it takes much of two people.  During our ceremony our officiant spoke these words over us and they are so true.

Marriage is a sacred relationship.  It requires much of two people- sometimes more than you feel you can  give each other. But God promises to be with you in the marriage and help you with its responsibilities. The Bible speaks of a single strand of cord as fragile and breakable, but a cord of two strands becomes much stronger.  A cord of three is stronger yet.  May your marriage always be a cord of three strands- you, your beloved, and the presence of God.

 The main thing that Jesus is teaching me as a wife is that we have to rely on Him.  Marriage does require much of two people,  but the Lord only tests the limits of one's abilities so that we have to rely on him and become dependent on his strength and grace.  As a wife, I may not always live up to my husband's expectations.  Life may throw us curveballs and challenge our relationship. But if we continue to stand under his grace and mercies we can get through anything together.  Marriage without Christ doesn't even make sense.  Marriage was created for Christ as a means for us to glorify him and to help lift each other higher in our faith.  Marriage teaches me humility.  It shows me that in order to be a good wife to my husband I have to rely on the wisdom of the creator of marriage.   

Not only am I learning to depend and rely on Christ through my marriage, but I am also learning patience.  Boy, am I learning patience.  Patience has never been one of my strongest virtues.  To be quite honest, I struggle with being patient.  This is true in  my faith and is definitely true in my marriage.  For example, I like my house to be neat.  Not like OCD neat but I like it to be picked up.  Brandon is let's just say not of the same mindset.  Cleanliness is not one of his virtues.  I have to be patient with the pile of boxers in the bathroom, the dishes in the sink, and the work clothes strewn all over the extra bedroom.  I'm learning to pick and choose my battles because often my lack of patience leads to annoyance and frustration with my husband.  I am having to learn to let him play one more round of League of Legends before asking him to pick up his undies.  I'm learning to respect our differences and try to find the common ground first.  I'm learning patience, slowly, but the Lord is growing this virtue in me through my marriage.  

  
I could go on and on about what the Lord is teaching me as a wife, but I will refrain.  A final thing that I am learning through marriage is to adapt and grow, to put his needs before my own, to learn to love as Christ loved us.  I am learning the true feeling of love.  The selfless sacrifice it sometimes requires.  The Bible says for wives to submit to their husbands and for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church.  Now the word submit sometimes throws me off and flares my feminist urges, but what we are really called to do is to place each other before ourselves.  This is not a road we walk alone.  Sometimes we have to pick each other up, lead one another, and love the way Christ loved us.  We walk this road of life together.  We have to adapt together, grow together in love.  

Every day I learn something new as a wife.  It challenges me daily as a person, a partner, and as a Christian.  Marriage is meant to teach us things.  To help us learn from our Savior.  It is a lifelong opportunity for him to teach us and I want to embrace those teachings daily because at the end of the day I get to fall asleep next to my best friend.  Despite the bumps of this journey, the disagreements, the normalcy of marriage  I get to do all the things in my vows: I get to encourage and inspire you,  laugh with you, comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle,  love you through good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when it is simple and when it is an effort.  I get to do all of these things.  Through each of these promises the Lord is lifting me up and teaching me how to fulfill them as Brandon's wife.  I learn a new lesson every moment, every day. 

What is Christ teaching you through your marriage or relationships?

Project 31 Day 9: Virtues

Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?

This question is very important because there are standards that I hold myself to.  There are things that I have been taught from a very early age that have stuck with  me and that I carry and cherish  as precious items in need of protection.  

The first virtue that I value in myself is compassion.  Compassion is one of my God-given gifts that has made me who I am today.  Compassion is a central theme in my career and in my life.  I have a heart for people and have grown up serving others.   My dream is to one day become more involved with mission work, especially with women and children.  One of the definition's of compassion says that compassion is "a cornerstone of greater social interconnection and humanism...regarded as part of love itself".  I love the thought of it being a cornerstone of our social interactions.  We should show empathy for one another, being so connected on a level that makes us feel what others feel and react accordingly. The Lord says in Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  I want to clothe myself with compassion  so that it is seen from the outside to those whom I come across.  I want to be a compassionate wife, counselor, mother (eventually), friend, co-worker, etc.  Compassion drives me and makes me continue to reach out and build relationships.  It encourages me to continue to encourage others in our daily lives made of struggles and triumphs.

 A second virtue that I value is my sense of responsibility and commitment.  This is a virtue that my parent instilled in me from  an early age.  When you commit to something there is no backing out.  Commitment comes with a sense of responsibility.   Being responsible means you are held accountable for the commitments you make.  I take my responsibilities very seriously and I believe it has gotten me to where I am today.  People know they can count on me to be there when I say I will.  Being responsible is essential for being an honest, committed, dependable individual.  I have taken  my responsibilities too seriously at times, leading to stress and concern, but I believe this virtue has more pros than cons.   

 

A final virtue that I value in myself is self-respect.  I am a bit of a feminist for those of you who don't know me that well.  I took a couple of classes in college and it just fueled my fire that was already starting at a young age.  Now, I am not one of those bra-burning hippie type feminists but I do advocate for women's rights and want women and young girls today to have a sense of self-respect.  I am too good and too cherished to be disrespected, stepped on, or thought of as less than worthy.  Growing up I was probably looked at as a goody-two-shoes because I was not willing to change my standards to fit in.  I stayed pure until marriage, I didn't have a sip of alcohol until I was 21, I have never tried pot, and I don't flaunt my goodies.  This is not to say that this is the path that leads to self-respect, but these were the standards I held for myself and how I wanted to respect myself.  I believe self-respect looks different for everyone because we all have different values and beliefs.  However, I want to value myself and know what I am worth because I am a child of the living God and I was fearfully and wonderfully made.  

What virtues do you value in yourself?  How do you incorporate them into your daily life and your walk with Christ?

   

Project 31 Day 8: Beauty Secret

Day 8.  Have a beauty secret?  Share, please!

Okay, so I really don't have too many beauty secrets.  I use basic products, which probably aren't the best for me, but that are affordable.  I could probably use your advice more than you could use mine, but here is one little trick I learned a couple of summers ago.  It is a little sensitive of a subject, but worth sharing.  So, you know after you shave your bikini area how those pesky, irritating bumps show up?  Admit it, we all struggle with this and find it incredibly annoying.  We are all grownups here.  We all want to find a remedy to this, right?  Here is one that someone told me about that has worked pretty well.  It is not a cure by any means but it helps.  DEODORANT!  So after shaving or waxing use a solid deodorant (like the one shown below) on the area.  One with powder is best.  This will help calm and soothe the area and hopefully cut down on the irritation.  I know this is not the best beauty secret, but hey, it has helped me, so I thought I would share.  So, what are some of your beauty secrets?  I would love to know.  Hope you all have a blessed day and that you are enjoying the summer!

 

Project 31 Day 7: Encouragement

Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman

1 Thessalonians 5:11
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

 

 When I think about beautiful women in my life I think of several people, but for this post I want to focus on my beautiful sister.  My younger sister, Melissa, and I are two years apart but close as ever.  If you were to know the two of us you would quickly realize that we are complete opposites, but completely related at the same time.  My sister is not only gorgeous on the outside but has a free spirit, a strong will, and a beautiful heart.  Currently she is getting ready to start her final year of college where she is studying social work.  She has a giving spirit and desires to help young women and young adults through her career as a social worker.  She is continuously growing and I notice new changes in her every time I see her.  She is doing amazing in school and is becoming a stronger woman daily.  I am so proud of you!

  

One thing I adore about my sister is her sense of humor.  Melissa, never lose your sense of humor, continue to crack yourself up, and be goofy.  I love being goofy with my sister.  It is one of my favorite things.  I get very giddy when I know my sister is coming home for a visit and I know that I can be myself when she is around.  She knows me, my flaws and all and yet continues to stand by me.  From a mutual love of Taylor Swift to a connectedness through corny jokes, our friendship and relationship has grown stronger over the years.  I think the world would be a sad place without sisters.  We fight with each other, share secrets that sprouted in childhood, support one another unconditionally, share clothes, laugh together, sing loudly in the car, and have a bond like no other.  Melissa, I am so proud of you.  Continue to shine inside and out.  I admire you and know that God is doing great things in your life.  I can't wait to see you next week for the T-Swizzle concert! 

Project 31 Day 6: Jaded Beauty

Day 6: Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?

 Every day the world's idea of beauty impacts my idea of beauty.  Women are bombarded on a daily basis with what the world believes is beauty.  Size 2, blonde, blemish and cellulite free, sex kitten, quiet and unheard, the list goes on and on.  I think one of the main ways that the world has jaded my idea of beauty is that beauty is only a physical characteristic.  A woman's beauty is not seen in her confidence or ability to stand up for herself, her independence, or her intelligence.  

Growing up, I was a goody-goody and a little nerdy.  These adjectives are not a part of the world's definition of beauty.  I grew up thinking that I could not be both confident and strong and be beautiful.  I did not see my beauty until I was much older, like in the last couple of years.  I still struggle with trying to fit into the world's narrow keyhole of beauty and often wonder why I even try.  I still have days where I let the world define my beauty.  I don't want to be defined by the world's sense of beauty; I want to be defined by my creator's idea of beauty.  Being a virtuous, faithful, strong woman of the Lord who sees herself as fearfully and wonderfully made.  For I am a masterpiece in the eyes of my Creator, whereas here I might be ordinary or lacking in the beauty department.  I want to be fearless, inspired, healthy, strong, bold, not size 2, sex kitten, unrealistic, and expected.  

 

Project 31 Day 5: You Make My Heart Come Alive

Day 5: Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.

 Dear Husband,

You are the person that makes my heart come alive.  What a beautiful sentiment to know that my heart is alive, my soul is treasured, and I am loved whole-heartedly.  When I was just a teenager in high school Spanish class you had a way of making me laugh every day with your silly "Christina gum calls" and your unceasingly ability to make me smile.  Even though we did not start dating until two years later, I remember those small moments of joy.  They stick out in my mind and I cannot believe how lucky I am to be married to you.  

I am totally and completely myself and have never had to hide that from you.  I can reveal my heart to you and you take it and make it shine.  Even as my insecurities grip my confidence you have a way of making my heart flutter and feel secure.  You tell me daily that I'm beautiful and I love it when you look at me and say "you're so cute" or "I love it when you do that" even if it is some small nuance that I would never think twice about.  You accept my flaws and love me all the same.  When other couples look at us they can see our love for one another and I hope they see the love in your eyes when you look at me, I always do.  

I never thought I would marry my first boyfriend, first kiss, first love.  God has a funny way of sparing us from things we cannot handle and I know that heartbreak may be one of those things for me.  I know that God placed you into my life knowing that it would be one and done, as they say.  You are in my life to make me feel alive, to experience the joys of life with and to walk beside through the struggles.  I am so thankful for a husband that challenges me daily to grow deeper in faith, that I can walk hand-in-hand to church with, discuss faith with, and build our lives together on the Rock of Jesus.  It is difficult to explain the feelings I have for you and the way you make me feel, but know that you make my heart come alive and I would not imagine anyone more perfect for that job.  I love you with all of my heart and soul.  

Love, 

Your Wifey

Wedding photos courtesy of JT Photography

Project 31 Day 4: Style 31

Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.

Well folks, if you haven't noticed it is Summer time, which means it is about 95 degrees here in NC.  During the summer I live in shorts.  It is way too hot for jeans.  That being said, white shorts are a necessity.  They make everything so clean looking and go with everything.  I also love this shirt because it is very lightweight and has a nice summery feel.  It reminds me of something I would wear on a cruise, if I ever have the opportunity.  Anyways, here you go, this is my favorite outfit (for the moment, it changes all the time).  The best part, every piece was bought on sale!  I love a good deal and rarely shop regular price.   

Shirt from the Limited on clearance

Shorts from American Eagle sale rack

Shoes from Marshall's

S0, what are some of your favorite items of clothing for the summer?

Project 31 Day 3: Stay Beautiful

Day 3: Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?

 Ok, I know it said "someone you know", but I have to write this post about someone who is inspiring from far away.  It might sound cheesy, but Taylor Swift really does inspire beauty.  She is as genuine as she is talented and obviously gorgeous.  She truly is a positive role model for young girls and does not fall into the mainstream life of stardom.  Even though she is a couple of years younger than me she is inspiring to me.  She is not afraid to be herself in an industry that so often calls women to be objectified and to fit into a sexualized mold.  She inspires women of all ages to be comfortable in their own skin and to believe that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all quality.  Her songs are positive, without cursing or derogatory lyrics and she is not afraid to speak her mind, which is something I would like to be able to do more often.  Her music is so relevant for women and for what women struggle with.  I really do admire her for taking the risk to be a different type of female celebrity and for being a fearless woman.  Taylor Swift is my favorite musician and a woman that inspires beauty from the inside out.  So, even though I do not know Taylor Swift personally I do respect her platform as an artist and what she stands for when it comes to beauty.  Keep it up Taylor because you are inspiring the beauty within me and so many other women around the world.  I'll see you in concert July 8!

 

 

Project 31: Day 2

Day 2:  What makes you uniquely you?

Wow, these questions are hard.  I really hate talking about myself, but here are a few things I came up with that are unique about me. 

1. I am a natural redhead and proud of it  

 

2. When I jump into something (relationships, projects, teams, etc.) I jump in whole-heartedly

3. I love corny jokes and I genuinely laugh out loud at them

4. I crack myself up often

5. Unlike a lot of people, I love studying foreign language, especially Spanish

6. I crave ice cream or fro-yo every night

7. I have very large feet (size 11), but I just tell people I have a strong foundation :)

8.  I am a scaredy cat and have to close the closet and bathroom doors in our bedroom at night

9.  I unashamedly scream at the TV like a man when the Wolfpack is playing

Well, that's all I could come up with.  Hope you have a little bit of insight into the unique me.  What makes you unique?  I would love to hear!