Heart Choices: November 2014 -->

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How To Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude


I want to ask you a question. Let's be honest. When you review your day, what usually stands out in your mind? Do you tend to remember the things that went wrong? Do you dwell on the way someone treated you unkindly? Do you grumble when things don't go the way you expect?  Do you envy those who seem to have life easy?

Over and over, the Bible tells us to be thankful. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to cultivate a heart of gratitude.

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

Maybe you are struggling in this season of your life. While I don't advocate putting blinders on to the situation you may be dealing with, I do suggest a number of ways that may help.

I've walked through many storms in my life. I can say with all honesty that praising God in the midst of my storms has helped get me through.

To continue reading, please go to Lisa Shaw Cares ...

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Do You Want Beautiful Eyelashes?


Do you wish you had longer eyelashes? Eyes are often the first thing people notice. While I truly desire to have my beauty come from within, I must admit something.

I still like to look my best no matter how old I am. 

Lately, I've noticed that women on television seem to have the most amazing long lashes. They couldn't be natural.  But then I realize that most of them probably have lash extensions which are quite expensive. I'm not  in the market for a large recurring monthly expense. And then I heard about 3D fiber lashes; a special mascara that helps make your lashes look longer and thicker.

I met Jill Samter through blogging. It was probably around 2008 or so. I've learned that when Jill is passionate about something, she loves to share it with others. First of all, she is passionate about her relationship with Jesus. That's what first bonded us together as friends. She has a heart for women and speaks out on issues that impact them. And she also loves to be healthy. She refuses to use harmful products. So when she finds something that she loves, she tells others.

And that's how I came to know about Younique, a company started by a brother and sister.  They have the best Moodstruck 3D Lash Mascara! I noticed Jill posting photos of herself with no mascara and then using the 3D lash mascara. I couldn't believe a mascara could make such a difference. So I bought it for $29 so I could try it out for myself.

It actually works! Check out this photo of my eyes with no mascara.


I followed the 3 step process to put the new mascara on. Check out the difference; thick, bolder lashes.


My good friend Heidi also tried the mascara. You've got to check out this photo of her eyes; one with no mascara and the other using this product. It's amazing!


I'm not the sales person type. I don't push products on anyone. But I decided to join the Younique team as I viewed this as an opportunity to help women look their best.

Check out this video to see how to apply.


If you can't see this video, click here

I'm not a person who spends hours in the morning getting ready. In fact, sometimes I get so absorbed in reading and writing and suddenly realize I only have 15 minutes to get ready for work. It's true!

So here's what I do. I hold the transforming gel and the fiber tube in my hand. I do the three step process. But I typically don't take the time to use a blow dryer. I use Q-tips precision tips cotton swabs. They are more pointy and I bought them for about $3 at Walgreen's. I dab any spots I mess up with the fibers and it seems to work.

I even have my own website where you can purchase Younique products; Lashes by Debbie. The mascara is $29 but lasts a few months. Believe me, it's worth every penny. And it would be a great gift. 

I've much more to say but I'll leave you with this photo Jill used when she welcomed me to her Wonder Woman Team on Facebook. By the way, I plan to have a virtual party on Facebook soon. I'll keep you posted.


So have a fabulash day! And don't forget to check out my Younique site. Thank you!

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Five Minute Friday: STILL



It's Five Minute Friday when I get to link up with Kate Motaung and many other bloggers. Each week we are given a one word writing prompt. The rules are to write for five minutes flat. Our word for today is STILL.

.
GO

"Be still and know that I am God." The words from Psalm 46:10 immediately come to my mind.

But how easy it is for me to want to take action and not be still. You know, figure out things in my mind and do something. After all, I'm fairly intelligent. I have a good mind and a healthy body. I've heard the popular slogan JUST DO IT.

But when do I come to the end of myself and begin to trust the One who created me?

Do I trust Him enough with my life to be still?

I think of the children as they learn to float. Little Jimmy was so scared of letting go. But over time he came to trust his swim instructor. She taught him to rest quietly, be still and not fight. Slowly she removed her hand from beneath his body and ...he floated.

I see that as an illustration for my life. Do I trust God enough to be still? Do I really believe He can perform the impossible in my life? Or am I struggling and trying to do it in my power?

As I consider the word STILL, I see that often my pride gets in the way. I can do it myself. I can figure it out. I, I, I.

Being still causes me to rest. To rest in His promises. To rest in His ways.

As He teaches me to trust, I find that my desires begin to conform to His desires for me.

Being still teaches me how to walk by faith. When He prompts me to move, I begin to obey.

It's the best place to be. Be still.

STOP

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

How To Handle a Challenging Week


Have you ever had one of those weeks? You know, it starts out with one challenge after another. I had one this past week. There were moments when I wanted to put my head between my legs like the children in our preschool class.

It started out like this. Several teachers approached me asking if I owned a white Lexus. I had a feeling of dread and nodded yes. A rock hit my rear window and shattered the glass. Apologies and a letter from the student ensued. His parents had my window replaced and lessons were learned. A little inconvenient but ... all is well.

This was the week our condo roof was to be replaced. We were the last group and I'd been observing the progress for weeks. Little did I realize the total mess that would transpire! I had to cover all my furniture with sheets and put away all fragile items. It was very challenging to come home from work each day to such a mess. The roof was so old and in need of replacement that there were tiny flakes of black falling down from the ceiling. Poor Greg had to try to work from home with the constant hammering and the sound of loud footsteps on the roof all day long.  The roof is now finally completed and looks great. But the aftermath of cleaning continues both inside and outside. I'm thankful to have a three day weekend!

Then to top my week off, I almost lost my wallet!

I stopped at Costco for gas and placed my wallet on top of my car. I never do this but for some reason I did it this time. I drove away oblivious to the fact that I forgot to put away my wallet. I drove several miles on busy streets and did some food shopping at Trader Joe's. At the checkout, I realized I didn't have my wallet. I silently prayed as I frantically ran outside to my car. There right on top of my Lexus was my wallet untouched. I thanked the Lord over and over and returned to pay for my groceries.

Instead of crying over inconveniences and the issues I encountered this past week, I chose to be thankful. Things happen. Life doesn't always go smoothly. But in the midst of challenges, I know Jesus loves me and knows every single detail of my days. And for that, I'm so thankful.

So how do you handle a challenging week? Do you comfort yourself with food? Do you go shopping as you convince yourself you deserve it after the week you endured?

Or do you believe that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and allow the Lord to develop your character?

I make a daily choice to count my every day blessings ...
  • It was only a car that was hit and no person was injured
  • Windows are replaceable
  • We have a new roof on our condo 
  • Our electric bill should go down in the future
  • An opportunity to do fall cleaning in our condo
  • My wallet wasn't lost and remained intact despite a wild ride
  • The Lord's care for me
Will you begin to count your every day blessings? I guarantee that it will help to change your perspective on life.

Blessings and love,

QuickEdit

Monday Blessings


It's Monday morning and I'm blessed. Today is Greg and my 30th wedding anniversary. As I think back over the years, we've gone through so much together. I remember that day so well. We had flown our family members and a few close friends in for our special day. It was a small group but a very special day.

We said our wedding vows in a little chapel beside the mountains in Vail, Colorado. I'm so glad I meant every word as little did I know at the time what a rocky road the next 30 years would take. How many people promise to love only in the good times?

I remember saying:
"I, Debbie, take you Greg, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, til death us do part."

We have experienced so many good times. We've traveled and gone to places I never dreamed I would go. I've had the opportunity to live in a home I helped design for 12 years. I've attended so many formal functions and met so many interesting people.

And yet I've also experienced many hard times. As I'm writing this, I'm propped up in bed in our very small condo. I'll have to get up soon to get ready for work. We won't go out on the town to celebrate tonight. Instead, we will quietly have dinner at home but with each other.

I have to say that Greg and I have a closer relationship today than we ever did before. I often tease him and say 'HOME TEAM'. We stick together and work through whatever comes our way.

I am so thankful for the close relationship I have with the Lord. This morning I am thanking Him for the good times and the bad. You see, it's through those challenging times that I learn so many important lessons. It's not so much about living the so called good life but about building our character.

I'm so thankful for my husband and I love him more than ever.

So on this Monday morning I continue to count my blessings.

How about you? Are you keeping track of those every day blessings in your life? I guarantee it will begin to change your perspective.

Blessings and love,

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