Women's Conference: Freedom In Fear

Last night, was the first session of our very first women's conference at church! This year's theme is Freedom in Fear, which is something I know that not only can I relate to, but plenty of other girls and women can as well. It has been so cool hearing about all the ladies that were involved in putting this thing together, talking about all the plans, and seeing it all come together for the final production. It has been a long time coming for it, and it's proof that you dream outside of the box and think crazy, wild ideas. We have a radical God, and if it is in His plans, then it will happen, and we don't need to worry about "how" to get there.

I got to church around 6:15 and was in shock to see how they had transformed our church foyer into a gathering room, that almost looked like a swanky loft in New York City. Ladies were everywhere, mingling and registering, and I knew we were in for an exciting night. I caught up with a friend at the door, registered, then went in search for my friend, Febe. We caught up for quite awhile; I told her all about my trip to South Carolina, and she told me about some of the changes she's been making in her life, which is really exciting! We caught up with a few other friends, and were about to head into the sanctuary, when she ended up having to help out at a booth during the speaker, so we didn't get to sit together. I hung out with a couple other girls that I knew from Young Adults, and we went in to find seats.

The conference kicked off with our worship leader, Jim, and an all women's choir (assembled of wonderful ladies from our church) singing "Everything" by Lifehouse. It doesn't matter how many times I've heard that song, it brings tears to my eyes. It's such a powerful statement and testament to who God truly is. It gave me chills. Then, we went into a time of worship. It was such an incredible time. I never feel closer to God, than when we're singing our praises to Him. I think that's one of the reasons why music has always been such a big deal to me as well. Anyway, we had a guest speaker by the name of Amberly Neese, who is a comedian. But, through her comedy, she also spoke on some pretty heavy things, like the fact that we all have fears and worries inside. One of hers early on was that her husband would leave her when they first got married, like many people in her family had done to their spouses. She had that fear of being left behind. But, God will never leave us, and she emphasized the verse Joshua 1:9 multiple times. This became one of my favorite/theme verses this year.

As I've seen people walk out of my life, or drift away, I know that God always remains, and no matter how far away I go, He'll always be right there. I always have that in my heart and in the back of my mind. Like Amberly, and a lot of other women in the world, I have a ton of fears, and that holds me back. Hearing that reminder of no matter where I go or what circumstance I face, God is always going to be there, gives me rest. I don't always have to be two steps ahead of the game, trying to figure everything out. He's already there, and knows how to help me through. I just have to trust Him. That's all. It really isn't as hard as we make it out to be. It is our choice whether we want to worry about our fear, or let God take care of it. We put God in this box; limiting Him to what we think He can do, and He is so much more than our brains can comprehend.

Amberly went on to say how some of us are carrying yesterday's problems with us, and I know I have that problem. I have been a lot better with it, but I tend to carry regret with me or feel ashamed of things I've done, even if it is the tiniest thing. God is going in a new direction, one where there is a beautiful future waiting for us, and we need to follow Him to it. God wants us to be free...That's what His grace and mercy are all about. God is "MI-TAY" as she put it. And I couldn't have put it into better words myself.

When the conference ended, I talked with my friend, Makenzie for awhile. She told me about some of the changes getting ready to be made in the young adult department, and the Bible study they're into right now. It sounds like I need to get plugged back into a lot of things. I'm excited to see what is up ahead for all of us.

I choose to be present for the rest of this conference, so I can hear God loud and clear, and start making some changes. What I heard last night, and what I have been the past few months is, "let it go..." I encourage you to do the same. If it's something from the past or someone that you're holding on to, just let it go. Allow God to work in you through that situation and turn it around for the better. I'm going to be working on that as well.

I'm excited to see what happens the rest of this weekend.

That's all for now,
Shelby

People That Inspire Me #1: Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Kelly Clarkson

How do I describe in just about a paragraph how these girls changed my life musically and otherwise? I'll try, but it's going to be difficult. I'll start with Kelly, since she was the first to hit the scene. I was only nine or ten years old when I first saw Kelly Clarkson on American Idol. In a way, I feel like I've grown up with her.  The minute she walked into the audition room and charmed the judges, I knew she was my favorite. Throughout the season, she blew everyone away with her soulful voice, and week after week, my mom and I were voting for her. Kelly was crowned our American Idol and I could not have been more proud! She had a HUGE part in why I fell in love with the show and why I wanted so badly to be a singer. She showed me that I could have an impact on people, just with my voice. In fact, for my talent show that year at school, I sang "A Moment Like This" and even tried to wear something that copied Kelly's winning moment. My family and our family friends loved her and were totally hooked to the show, so we got tickets to see the Idols Live tour in Anaheim. It was so much fun! That night, we waited by the buses and saw Kelly come out. She signed for a little while, but I couldn't make my way through the crowd to get to her. What you see is what you get with Kelly; she doesn't pretend to be anything she's not. She's not afraid to go against the norm in Hollywood, speak up for herself, go in public without makeup, or other things that make her who she is. She's another person I would sure love to go on a road trip with, because she seems like she would be up for just about anything and would get everyone else in the party spirit. I'm going to see her in March, when she comes to my hometown and it would be a dream come true to meet her. Seeing that her popularity hasn't really faded in the 10 years or so that she's been around just proves that she is here to stay in the music world. She'll be a legend in the years to come!

Carrie Underwood was the next American Idol to really change my life. She was another instant favorite from the moment she walked into the audition room. I thought she sang beautifully and there was no denying that she was beautiful as well. Week after week, her vocals got stronger and she was starting to come out of her shell more. She was from a small town in Oklahoma (which we thought was cool, because my friends' family lives there) and had big dreams. Carrie represented the "All-American girl" that was ready to spread her wings and fly; she wanted more to life and knew she was here for a greater purpose. I also loved her because we seemed to have a lot in common: we were both kinda shy/quiet, loved Jesus, we were both into Journalism, and of course, loved to sing. Just as soon as she won Idol, she was welcomed into the wonderful country music family! Carrie inspires me to have the courage to get up there on stage and do what she does night after night, because if you've ever talked to her, she's extremely quiet and so not like the person she is up there. She reminds me to believe in myself, why I want to do what I do, and that if you can touch one life for God's glory it makes it all worth it. I've seen Carrie over 20 times at Fan Club Parties, concerts, softball games, CMA Fest, and all sorts of other events and she just gets better and better as she goes. She has one of the biggest hearts and loves to give back, so she started her C.A.T. S foundation, which gives back to her community in Checotah, Oklahoma. There are a lot of sides to Carrie, that unless you've really been around her for any length of time you probably haven't seen. People are quick to judge things about her like she's had everything handed to her from the moment she got done with Idol, but she's one of the hardest workers out there. She's also quite hilarious, I think she'd be great on a sitcom or variety show someday in the future. I LOVE Carrie! I love what she represents and the music that she sings; she's not afraid to admit her faith in Christ and that she believes in God, and that is a HUGE deal for me and something that I want to achieve if I ever make it to the music world. I'm so proud of her, and will always support her. Being part of her fan club, she considers us to be her "friends" and I'm so glad I've been able to be part of this journey with her. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have some of the coolest people from the fan club either! I have made so many lasting friendships because of her

Taylor Swift. I could leave it at that and have everything pretty much summed up in those two words, because she has been the talk of the music world for quite some time now. I had remembered hearing the song, "Tim McGraw" at the movie theaters with my parents (in 2005?) and just thinking it was strange that someone had written a song about Tim McGraw, and I didn't bother paying attention to the lyrics really. I remembered seeing her on the GAC shortcuts not too much later, or it might have been before, where she was saying how bad she wanted to headline a tour and all those things. I thought she was okay, but still wasn't really paying attention to her...I was just like, whatever. A little farther down the line, I heard the song again and all of a sudden this time it clicked, "Wow! She's really good," I thought. My mom also really liked her. Christmas of 2006, I got her CD and listened to it nonstop! When I heard she was coming with Brad Paisley to Bakersfield on one of his tour stops I knew we had to go! She blew me away with her stage presence and just her charm. She was so comfortable on stage, and she was only 17 at the time. She was doing everything I had hoped to be doing at the time, and I so admired her for that. Because not only was she doing it, but she was amazing at it. Later that night, I met Taylor. Back then, I was really shy and didn't talk much, so I was lucky I even got "I love your CD" out. She couldn't have been more gracious, though. She signed my photo and took a picture with me. At the time, not many knew who she was really but I was so excited the next day at school as I told everyone that I'd met her. From that point on, I started liking her more and more. She inspired me to keep writing songs and to keep believing in whatever it is that you wanted to do, because if she could do then we could too. Her songwriting abilities and style always leave me floored...like how does someone even come up with that? It's so descriptive and wonderful, but Taylor is just amazing that way. She is probably one of the most intelligent and creative visionaries you will ever see/meet. The way she can see something in her head and make it happen is just astonishing, especially with her live shows. Taylor knows how to top everything she's done from the last time. You always wonder whether she'll be able to pull it off, and somehow she does. She proves to me that it doesn't matter what age you are, if you have a gift and a passion for something, nothing will stand in your way. Every time I've met Taylor or have heard stories about friends that have, I've never heard a bad thing. Don't get me wrong, I realize she's not perfect and there will be times that she doesn't feel like doing something...but for the most part, she is just a sincere, generous, kind, and wonderful human being. She loves people and treats everyone as if she's known her forever. She takes the time with each and every person that she sees. If ever there was a celebrity that I'd love to spend the day with, she'd be it. I'd love to just see what a typical day is like for her, the process of how she writes, what she does when inspiration hits her and just make crazy videos and go shopping ;) LOL.

So, there ya have it...those are all of the people that inspire me. I'm sure there are plenty more, because even though it's rare to find at times there's still a lot of beauty to be found in this world. And there are still people out there that are making a difference for the better!

That's all for now,
Shelby

People That Inspire Me #5- Keith Urban

Oh, Mr. Keith Urban you sure know how to hit me with the beautiful lyrics and melodies in your songs! Keith has inspired me in songwriting; the way he writes and captures such raw emotions is incredible. The way he can make anything on his guitar sound amazing is mind boggling. And the vulnerability in his voice tugs at my heart strings. I've seen him live a few times and his shows are top notch. He has played most of his top hits, ran around crazy, shredding his guitar all over the place, and even gave away a guitar. The joy he has while he's on stage shows just how much he truly has a passion for what he does and that's what we should all aspire to do. He's such a quiet, sincere guy that likes to keep his private life private. It's almost as if he gets embarrassed by the fact that people want to talk about him in interviews. He wears his heart on his sleeve, or rather in his music. He pours out his heart and soul, and so rare that you find a such a guy's guy that will pour so much feeling into a song. One year that I was back in Nashville during CMA Fest week, we were all hanging out by the red carpet waiting for the stars to arrive at the CMT Music Video Awards. All of a sudden, we see this little golf cart show up...we're so far down, we can't really tell who it is. Well, it turned out to be KEITH URBAN! Minutes were going by and he was getting closer to our section, and the second he did I took off running! Those of you who know me, the only time I run is for a celebrity ;) hahaha. Anyway, in all of the excitement, I left the camera with my mom not really thinking I would get that close. I ended up getting to shake his hand and I thought I was going to pass out. After that day, I gained so much more respect for him. He took the time to get there earlier to shake every single hand or take a picture with the fans that were waiting out in the heat in Nashville. I will never ever forget his generosity. Keith Urban is living proof that the phoenix rises again. He has overcome so much from being in rehab and battling personal demons to being the real family man and husband that he is today. I also love the way he talks... The guy is brilliant and speaks eloquently. He is the kind of person I'd love to have coffee and write with in. Nashville. One of these days, it will happen! I want to marry a guy like that someday :)

People That Inspire Me #6-Giuliana Rancic

Giuliana is everything I hope to be as a journalist. She has shown how to be professional, but also that it's okay to "fangirl" a little while interviewing your favorite celebrities. She's down to earth and real; she makes reporting look like a good time and you can tell she enjoys what she does. Giuliana is the kind of person I would want to have on a road trip; she says what she thinks, she likes to have a good time, and she's just an all around girl's girl. Everyone that has been around her has said nothing but good things! Giuliana is the epitome of strength and courage, and the confident woman. One day, I decided to write her a letter just saying what a big fan I was and how I was getting into Journalism, and asking how she did it (and autograph), etc. A couple weeks later, I received an 8x10 picture of her in the mail that was signed. It said ,"Shelby- See ya on the red carpet =)" and signed her name. Now, I don't know if she signs that on everyone's, but I choose to believe it was because of the journalism thing LOL. Either way I was so excited that I actually got something back from her. Giuliana is so great at what she does and makes it look so easy! I hope to be so classy about getting the news out and doing interviews with some of the biggest and best in Hollywood, if I ever make it to her level. Also, if you haven't checked out her and her husband's show (Bill and Giuliana) on Style Network, you are seriously missing out. 

People That Inspire Me #7-

I had always been a huge fan of Demi's on Camp Rock, So Random, and of course, her music. I loved her style, her friendship with Selena and she just seemed to be the kind of person I'd like to hang out with. Honestly, as weird as it sounds, I became an even bigger fan of hers after she entered rehab. I admired the fact that she knew she was on the wrong path, admitted she needed help and did something about it. Instead of being proud of the mistakes she'd made, she wanted to use her own experiences to warn others and help them. When she talked about a lot of her body image issues in People magazine shortly after being released, I realized that we had a lot in common. I had been teased in school and had never really been able to talk to my parents about just how much it had hurt me or why I'd lash out at them when they'd make comments about my appearance (no matter how insignificant). After reading the article, my mom and I were able to have a short heart to heart about how I felt and I was able to move forward from that. Demi's courage of being in the spotlight and being so open about what she did really shows that she is a woman of integrity. She is incredibly talented-She's spot on with the comedy she's done, has proved that she's better than the average Disney actor, and she's a great songwriter. I love the fact that she also uses her faith in God as a motivator to keep her going, and that that's why she's here- to serve a greater purpose. I would love to meet her someday!

People That Inspire Me #8-Lady Antebellum

Normally groups don't impact me quite as much as the individual singer. I'm not sure why, they just usually don't. But, they also haven't been Lady Antebellum. I still remember the first time (or one of the first times) I heard 'Love Don't Live Here' on the radio. I was instantly drawn to their incredible harmonies and the lyrics in general. I was extremely excited that we would see them at CMA Fest that year, which I believe would've been in 2008. From there, my love for them and their music grew and continues to. At the CMA Fest convention center signings in 2010 I was (somewhat) able to meet them. I had tried to get an official pass, but they went extremely quick. If you've ever been back there during that week you understand just how crazy and chaotic things get. Anyway, while they were signing, plenty of people stuck around hoping to just see them or maybe grab an autograph or picture with them on the way out. They were only set to be there for thirty minutes, so the chances of hopefuls getting through were very slim. Well, they ended up staying an extra thirty minutes or so until closing to meet people. I was able to get all three of their signatures, mainly because people were kind enough to hand my program over to them, but I did tell Dave "Thank you," to which he said, "You're welcome" and gave a wave or a head nod. I was on cloud nine the rest of the day! They are so incredibly sweet, talented, and you can tell that they enjoy what they do. They haven't let the fame go to their head, and you can see that they're still just taking it all in. I watched their Backstory on GAC and I loved them even more after that. Hearing all the struggles they went through helps me believe that I can do it too, and everything happens for a reason. I love that their music is more than just putting words to paper or throwing a melody together, they want to make a difference and touch people. That's what it should be about! :)

People That Inspire Me #9-Chad Michael Murray

I have loved Chad Michael Murray since I was in about 6th grade...so twelve or thirteen years old. I am now twenty. At the time, I thought we were going to get married and live happily ever after. I've become much more realistic since then, seeing as I'm going to marry Nick Jonas ;) hee hee. Anyway, I've always been a big fan of Chad's (A Cinderella Story, Freaky Friday, Gilmore Girls and of course, One Tree Hill). Over the summer he got a Twitter account and I thought that was the greatest thing ever! His posts are always so positive and encouraging...reminding people to be kind, to be themselves, to go for their dreams, etc. I never thought I would be so lucky to get a reply back from him...but I did! And I just about passed out. He has responded back to me quite a few times since then, and I couldn't be more thankful to him. The way he always takes the time to send DM's back to fans really says something about him. I really admire him for wearing his heart on his sleeve, for encouraging others and just for caring so much. He is a true visionary in the arts department; he likes to tell stories and share important messages. He's not into the fame, he's into the craft and that's what it should be about. I've heard nothing but incredible things about him at his book signings. I wish I would've been able to make it, but I had prior commitments. They said he'd sign until he made it to everyone, he took multiple pictures, and really took time with each person. One of these days, I will meet him and thank him personally for being so wonderful! 

People That Inspire Me #10-Sophia Bush

I've pretty much always loved Sophia Bush, long before I even started watching One Tree Hill. I mainly just knew her as Chad's fiancé/wife at the time, but then I started paying more attention to her and immediately loved her as a person. I didn't necessarily follow her career, but I knew what she was on and in. I loved that she seemed to have this joy for life and her smile was infectious. She seemed to spread the happiness wherever she went and Chad was in love with her, so I knew she had to be amazing! Now, that I've started to see what she can do as an actor and director, I am completely blown away. She is phenomenal with both and has such a vision for whatever it is she wants to do. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and has such a passion and drive for whatever she wants to do. I also love how much she did with the F*&% Cancer campaign. Two of my grandma's passed away from two different types of cancer, and everyone in the world has now pretty much been affected by it in some way. Sophia has inspired me so much, that no matter how small the task, you can make a difference whether it's in your community or branching out in another country. A little bit can go a long way. She believes in everyone and especially the younger generation. She is an incredible woman and if more people were like her, we'd have a much better world! :)

Inspiration For The Day

I am the right brain. I am creativity. A free spirit. I am passion. Yearning. Sensuality. I am the sound of roaring laughter. I am taste. The feeling of sand beneath bare feat. I am movement. Vivid colors. I am the urge to paint on an empty canvas. I am boundless imagination. Art. Poetry. I sense. I feel. I am everything I wanted to be.”

That's all for now,
Shelby

Inspiration For The Day

A blog from Hannah Blaylock (of the group Eden's Edge)

I'm reading this great book called "Bird By Bird" about this woman who is a writer and I'm inspired by this quote so I wanted to share it with you - 

E.L. Doctorow once said that "writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." You don't have to see where you're going. You don't have to see your destination or everything you pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you. That is right up there with the best advice about writing, or life, I have ever heard.

I definitely need to hear that every now and then. One day, step, hope, idea, song, performance, cup of coffee, laugh, cry, hug, silent moment, dinner with friends, call with my mom at a time. 

I bet some of you guys have felt this way too with your jobs, errands, responsibilities, and all the things that fill up our day as it dwindles before we even get settled into it existing.

It's somewhat relieving to me that all we need to handle is right now. And the rest will come when it's supposed to. 

The point is - I love you guys! And that IS right now. I am so filled with love this Valentine's Day for each and every one of you! It's so amazing that I have the opportunity to meet/talk/type/ect. with such wonderful beautiful souls like you guys :). Thank you for spending your time and effort sharing with us in the most beautiful experience God put on this earth - the musical experience. I am truly blessed to have you in my life! 

Happy Valentine's Day everybody! 

Alright, this text isn't necessarily inspiration...but it reminds me of how hilarious my friends are and the group conversations we have are seriously the best!!! :D

That's all for now,
Shelby

Inspiration For The Day

When life doesn't go the way you planned...improvise, and make the best of the situation!

The Vow

Inspiration For The Day-Garden Tea Party Ideas

Alright, so while my mom and I were out about enjoying our nice day at an outdoor shopping mall...all of a sudden, this idea hit me that I wanted to have a garden party! I want to get all dressed up, drink tea, eat finger sandwiches, and just have leisure talk like you see on all those reality shows (think Housewives of Beverly Hills). I immediately text Hillary about it, and she was all for it, since she's the party planner of the group and I'm into it as well. The two of us brainstormed a little and are extremely excited for spring now!
I decided to look up a few ideas on trusty old Google just to look at color schemes and all that! :) I'm so ready for warmer weather. Everything is so much more cheerful!

Dress ideas :)

'I Love You'

Sounds simple enough, right? I. Love. You. Only three words, yet they have THE most powerful affect on people in good or bad ways. I had been planning on writing something about love, but now as I sit here trying to put it into words, I'm not sure that I can. Love isn't necessarily something you can explain; it's something you experience. And lately, I've been wondering...Do I honestly know how to love? I say I love you all the time to family and friends, but sometimes I wonder if I've had the actions to back up those words. Do I show them just how much I love them? Did I really feel anything in my heart when I uttered those three words out or was I just saying it to fill the silence?

What is love? Well, 1 Corinthians 13 is the definition of that. When I really meditate on the chapter, I think of how wrong I've been about not only loving others but also when it comes to falling in love. Last night, at our Young Adults group gathering at church we talked about this very thing. So many times in our world today we get confused about what love is because of the way it's portrayed in music and movies. We think it's all about buying the material things to express how we feel, and that couldn't be further from the truth. It is in the way we treat people! We have to know how God loves and learn how to love ourselves, before we can fully love others. If we don't love ourselves or see ourselves as something special, that's exactly the way we'll treat others. I know that's how I've been for a really long time!

Love is not a feeling, it is a choice. If we based love on feelings, the divorce rate would be even higher than it already is. There are always days when we don't "feel" like doing something or loving someone...our emotions run so hot and cold, so when you base love on that it's pretty fickle. You have to choose to love them despite whatever annoying thing they might be doing to you or the arguments you might have had. That comes into practice even more when it comes to dealing with difficult people. You know those family members that you usually just see on special occasions or that you just don't get along with. It's not an easy thing to do, and it takes time. 

The highest form of love we will ever know, though, is the love that God has shown us. Human love only goes so deep, but there's a place in our heart that only God can fill. People will disappoint us, no matter how close we are or how much they love us. We're human; we're not perfect and we make mistakes. We break promises, we fall short of who people want us to be, and we get angry over stupid things. But, no matter what we go through in life, or the people we fight with...Love conquers all. I truly believe that!

Another thought, that I had posted of a friends comment on Facebook last night was something like, "If you can't live without that person (significant other), leave them in the dust. If you CAN live without them, marry them..." At first I was wondering how in the world that made sense, and then it clicked as I read it through a couple more times. Christ is the only one we need or desire, technically, we can live without people. When you're married, Christ should still always be your number one; the second you let your spouse on the throne where God should be is when we run into problems. And now it has put things into perspective for me in future relationships :)

That's all for now,

Shelby

xoxox  

Inspiration For The Day

Love is louder than the pressure to be perfect!!!!!!

Ideas of things I want to make for Superbowl party this weekend:

Great books for aspiring journalists/fashionistas/girls who just want to rule the business world :)

Great reminder! 

A Sneak Peek To Valentine's Day

Haha...well pretty much! 

Took a quiz on Seventeen, and this was what I got! :)

Valentine’s Day: The Survival Guide For the Single Girl 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

By Deirdre Cusack (http://www.hercampus.com/school/umassamherst/valentine’s-day-survival-guide-single-girl)

Single girls everywhere always feel a little more single on February 14. However, just because you don’t have a significant other to gush over doesn’t necessarily mean Valentines Day has to suck. Here are a few ways to have a great Valentine’s Day even if you’re single.


1) Go to the movies: Sure it’s going to be packed with couples, holding hands and kissing (insert gag here). If you want to go see a sappy romantic film, why not check out The Vow starring everyone’s favorite heartthrob, Channing Tatum?  Or, if a romantic movie is too cliché for you, try seeing one many dramas that are out like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or The Descendants, (Clooney should make you forget your singledom). Don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a large popcorn, (with extra butter) and some candy… I know I will.


2) Have a girls night: I know it sounds trite, but last year was one of the best Valentines Days I ever had and it wasn’t because I spent it with a guy. I shared it with my best friends having a girl’s night in. Bake brownies or cookies and buy tons of chocolate so you can stuff your face, sit around with your girls and soak up each other’s awesomeness.


3) Have an “I hate Valentine’s Day party”: Have all your single friends over for a night with no pink, no hearts and NO feelings of loneliness. All your friends who are couples will be out on dates anyway so go ahead and enforce the “single girls only” rule.


4) Treat yourself: Since your not wasting your money on Hallmark cards or store bought chocolates why not buy yourself something YOU actually want. That new watch you’ve been eyeing? Buy it! Spoil yourself for no reason and be free to do whatever your little heart desires.


5) Go on a date with your best friend: Carrie and Miranda do it in Sex and The City! Take a night off Berkshire grub and make a reservation at your favorite restaurant. It’s the best date you can go on; you’ll be with someone you’re 100% comfortable with and able to talk about the Real Housewives of Beverley Hills without an exasperated male sigh and eye-roll. An added bonus…you’ll be enjoying food you didn’t have to wait in line for. 

(I loved this article)

Just a few little ideas to get you in the mood for that special day ;)

Love Is In The Air

1 Corinthians 13

"Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. 

Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head.

Doesn't force itself on others.

Isn't always 'me first'.

Doesn't fly off the handle.

Doesn't keep scores of the sins of others.

Doesn't revel when others grovel.

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth.

Puts up with anything.

Trusts God always.

Always hopes for the best.

Never looks back, 

But keeps going to the end." <3

Ah, love. What a topic! I think we have so many preconceived notions of what love/relationships should be or feel or look like, and the truth is it's different for everyone. We get caught up in this fairytale world that Prince Charming is going to ride in on his white horse and save us from all disasters, but that's not reality. No, reality is far much more interesting than that; you'll meet guys that will break your heart and will mess with it in ways you don't understand, but then you'll meet the one that will put it back together again. He'll make you see things in a way you never thought possible, he'll love you just the way you are, but he'll challenge you and bring you out of your comfort zone more, and he'll see the potential in you that no one else sees. You'll annoy each other, you'll fight over the dumbest of things, and you'll hit rough patches…but true love will conquer all of that. I truly believe it. 

Love doesn't just "fade away" over time, and people don't just grow apart. That's when people have just decided to give up. Relationships and love take work, and our society wants to take the easy way out and to find some way for that instant gratification. But, the things in life that are worth fighting for don't come easy. Love makes the world go 'round; it's universal and one of the most desired things. That's why people become so bitter and cynical towards it, because it's everything it's cracked up to be. It's easy to question when it's ever going to happen or to just give up on the idea of falling in love altogether. I've never been in love before, but I know it's out there. I've been praying for that special someone for awhile, and know that he is out there. When the time is right, he'll show up, and it will make all the waiting I did worth it. Until then, I just have to have patience. They say that good things take time, so I think I can wait a little longer.

I'm actually looking forward to Valentine's Day! It's a little cheesy and is used mainly for marketing purposes at card and flower companies, but it can also be a good reminder of what LOVE is all about. True love for God, ourself, others, family, and friends. It's a day to remember that love is the most important thing in the world! And seeing as it is February...the month of "love", I'm sure I'll be posting similar things to this one periodically. Sorry in advance!

That's all for now,

Shelby 

xoxox

Inspiration For The Day

• Matthew 7:7 Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 

• Saw this on a family friend's Facebook page, great words: "Okay everybody, this is an important moment in your life. Are you going to be positive, and hopeful, or negative and hopeless? It's really up to you. I choose to believe that God's grace is sufficient, His plans for me are for good and not for evil, plans to prosper me rather than to harm me. I am holding-on to the promises of the Word of God. You know, you can't hold on to the promises if you don't know what they are. Are you committed to reading your Bible in 2012? Hope so." LOVE it! 

• Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 

• "So those who are married should live as if they aren't married (for Christ). God is to be first among all. No one second or third. Christ first and only. The rest will be given. You like that person a lot, gain joy from them but don't need them, marry'em. If u cant live without them leave them in the dust. That's what I learnedly today. Don't ask me how!" This was also from a friend's Facebook....SO true! This helped me see things a little bit clearer and maybe I'm on the right track after all....

I also really love finding pictures on Tumblr and that friends post on Twitter, these are not mine!

That's all for now...find inspiration everywhere you go; it's all around us :)

Pinterest #3

Inspiration for the home! Again, none of these photos are mine!