Pearls and Penmanship

I inhaled deeply as I stepped out my front door this morning. The smell of spring greeted me like an old friend embracing me with fresh enthusiasm. I know people partial to weather's extremes -- the fiery heat or frozen chill, but I feel this magnetism towards the transitional seasons. There is magic in watching the seasons change in accordance with the Lord's promise to Noah in Genesis 8:22.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." 

Beautiful. Now, back to business.

Today was spring shopping day. One of my favorites. And, thanks to a $50 Kohls gift card and a 30% off coupon, money wasn't too much of an issue. I've spent the last several years devoting most...(all) of my budgeted spending money to my "fashionistaness."  (Which is a fabulous word, and yes, I'm saving for college, too.) This work in progress has developed into a pretty solid wardrobe. Granted some pieces are sooo three years ago.

I shop all ranges of stores from T.J. Maxx to Community Aid to my dad's closet. Yup. I'm not gonna lie, designer is my preference, but honesty, who can afford that? I will brag and tell you about my Ralph Lauren trench coat I found at a small consignment boutique. Eight dollars. Why in the world would I spend two hundred? Just a little perspective.

When I go hardcore shopping, I always have a plan. I browse Pinterest for some inspiration and start making a list. I record styles that I have preference towards and colors schemes that catch my eye. Today's list looked something like this:

STYLE
    • sandals
    • floral midi skirt
    • chambray shirt
    • shirt dress
    • heels for spring/summer
    • long cardigan

KEY COMPONENTS
    • lightweight material
    • neutrals
    • versatility
    • florals with color
    • stripes

Now, please understand that I had absolutely no intention of buying everything on this list. I actually only bought the chambray shirt and long cardigan. However, both were neutrals and a lighter weight materials so mission accomplished!

Important note: do not go to Kohl's with high expectations for formal wear. they just don't deliver. Looks cute; fits terribly. Sorry, Lauren Conrad. Love your jewelry, though.

Often as the winter days lengthen and the snow begins to melt, I find myself dreaming of picnics to prepare, flowers to pick, stars to gaze, and mountains to conquer. I am attracted to color to cover up the present, dreadful dreariness of the out of doors. These few weeks of the year are the most difficult for me and my overall happiness as the initial thrill of winter has passed and the long for spring air tugs at my soul. (With Saturday's predicted forecast aiming near 60 degrees, I am already planning what to wear and what activities to fill my day with.)

I have found that focusing on all things lovely (as opposed to all things dreary) is an excellent way to dissuade myself from wallowing in self pity. Today I would like to share from you some words that focus on such things.

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"Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a fire?" // C.S. Lewis

“The world is a great book, of which they that never stir from home read only a page.” // John Wade

"I've loved the stars to fondly to be fearful of the night." // Galileo

"If instead of a gem or even of a flower, we would cast the gift of a lovely thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving, as the angels, I suppose, must give." // George MacDonald

To couples around the world, Valentine's Day is about celebrating their relationship with each other whether they started dating January 7th or have been married for over twenty-five years. To people like me who are currently single (or in my case, single for all of eternity past), Valentine's Day can be a little depressing. Even if you don't really care or are pretending as if you don't care, there is still this subconscious twinge of "you don't have a date tonight." And, that isn't the best feeling.

For the last several years, I've made a point to do something for Valentine's Day. My something usually involves another single girlfriend, a movie, and some watercolor paints. (Last year it was Pride and Prejudice; this year it was Anne of Green Gables. I called it my date with Gil.) We had such a lovely evening; it was really good for me to have some purpose besides simply cuddling up with Netflix. Not that there's anything wrong with that, I did actually hit up another episode of Fixer Upper after she left for the evening. ;)

But, do you know what I was reminded of this morning? I already have a date. I already have someone who loves me more than anyone else ever can or will. And, you do too if you have accepted Christ into your life! He is ours, and we are his.

Some words spoken by St. Augustine:

"To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him, the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement." 

Also, a thought by the beloved C.S. Lewis:

"I am sure that God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait."

Piece those two thoughts together with me. If I am waiting on God to present me with an opportunity of a relationship, then He is certain that this waiting is beneficial to me. Perhaps, instead of focusing on a dating relationship, He wants me to explore the romance and adventure of falling more and more in love with Him -- spending more time with Him, growing myself in the Word, preparing myself for whatever he has laid out on the map that is my life.

Today my pastor preached a sermon about desires laid on our hearts to serve him. He used the comparison of David and Nehemiah. David's desire to build the LORD a temple, and Nehemiah's desire to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He pointed out that God was pleased with both of these desires, but did not allow for both of them. Doors were swung open and Nehemiah's desires were fulfilled beyond his own expectations. However, the LORD had ordained Solomon, David's son, to build the temple not King David himself.

It is my prayer and desire that major landmarks on this map of my life include a special someone and a family to call my own someday. Being the romantic that I am, I tend to fantasize and dream of what it will be like to love someone so much I will want to spend the rest of my life with him. Sometimes, I long for the years to slip away and land me happily married with one on the way.

This is my heart's desire. But, I know it isn't time.

And, as C.S. Lewis points out, the present DOES mean something. As the old saying goes, I am to bloom right where I am planted. Right now, that means focusing on my last years of high school as a successful, single daughter of the King. It is good for me to wait. And, it is where He wants me to be.

A closing thought from the lovely Elizabeth Elliot:

"I have one desire now -- to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it."

He is my Valentine. Let me ask him everyday to BE MINE.


Watercolor Inspiration Credit: Kristine Brookshire

 Listen to this morning's sermon.

"When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your life does." // Kathleen Kelly in You've Got Mail

BOOKS //  The Book Thief  by: Marcus Zusak;  The Help by: Kathryn Stockett;  Pride and Prejudice  by: Jane Austen;  Anne of Green Gables  by: Lucy Maud Montgomery;  Caddie Woodlawn by: Carol Ryrie Brink; A Walk to Remember by: Nicholas Sparks

MUSIC // bubble-gum pop, smooth jazz, classic rock, a cappella, and old Taylor Swift

FASHION // black and white stripes, oversized sweaters, flannels, top knots, and statement necklaces

VERSES // 1 John 3.1; Colossians 3.12-17; Psalms; Romans 8

HYMNS // Come, Thou Fount; Great Is Thy Faithfulness; And Can It Be; It Is Well; Be Thou My Vision; When I Survey the Wondrous Cross; Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing; How Great Thou Art

PASTIMES // playing piano, watercolor painting, shopping, reading, writing, and building fires.

COLORS // cranberry, plum, lavender, mint, forest, and gold

DESSERTS //  chocolate cheesecake, apple pie, blueberry buckle, and sea salt caramel ice cream

PLACES // my camp, the beach, farmers markets, theme parks, mountain tops, and T.J. Maxx

FLOWERS // roses, peonies, lavender, or anything wrapped in old newspaper

SPORTS // playing volleyball and watching basketball

OBJECTS // stationary, tea cups and coffee mugs, pearls, and really all pretty things. but mostly stationary.

BRANDS // Rifle Paper Co, Anthropologie, and Kate Spade ♣

I am a dreamer. I have big plans for my future. I see myself on stage dancing to "Tale as Old as Time." I see myself dressed for the prom on the arm of a charming young gentleman. I see my first record releasing -- an opportunity to share the gospel through my musical passion. After a paid four years of college, I see myself teaching a class of second graders leaning forward with perked ears and drinking in every word of the adventurous life of Caddie Woodlawn. I see myself handing a bride her bouquet and telling her how lovely she looks as she blinks back tearful eyes and the page turns in her book of life. I see a glitzy ring grace my left hand. I see myself reaching over my pregnant belly to set Winnie the Pooh on top of the bookcase.