Four years ago I began blogging.  I hadn't even realized it until Beth of I'm Heading Towards My Destiny wrote a post celebrating her four year blogoversary.  I checked the archives of Heart Choices and realized that my first post was on March 16, 2007.

Some of my early posts were about beauty.  I was concerned as I saw young girls trying to look like the models in the magazines.  I had seen a short video produced by Dove.



So many unrealistic expectations on women, including me! 

Now that I have turned 58, it's much harder to keep up the outward looks.  When I look in the mirror, I wonder who that person is sometimes.  Inside I feel one way but outside ...I look different.

As a Christian, it's what's inside that is most important.  I know that!  I don't judge others by their looks.  And yet, I find I'm very critical of myself.

My friend Jill of Forever N Ever N Always created an I AM BEAUTIFUL project.  She is challenging women from all over to join in.  I encourage you to link over and read all about it.  I still haven't posted my photo but ... I will.

In the meantime, I am posting the song "You Are More" by Tenth Avenue North for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.  I'm linking up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders. 

The words have an important message that goes along with the I AM BEAUTIFUL project.



Blessings and love,

I'm on spring break and I finally began cleaning out my garage.  This has been on my to-do list for some time. 

In one of the boxes, I found an old photo album dating back to 1985.  Greg and I were married at the end of 1984 so this was our first year of marriage.  I knew I had to link up with Alicia of More Than Words for Friday Photo Flashback.

Greg's sister Amy and a friend had invited us to fly up to Lake Powell in a small prop plane.  We got to spend a week on a rented houseboat.  What a fun time we had together!


Lake Powell is a huge lake on the border of Arizona and Utah.  It is 186 miles long and has 2,000 miles of shoreline.  At times, it's as smooth as glass.  There's nothing like the reflection of the mountains in this lake.

Greg and I had such a good time that we purchased a boat and kept it docked at Lake Powell for several years.  Those were the days of water skiing and camping out.  Such fond memories!

What have you found in your garage lately?

Blessings and love,

Blessings and love,

Today I'm hosting "In Other Words Tuesday" so I got to choose our quote for this week.

I recently read a book by Cherie Hill called "Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms".  It was such a timely read for me as I've been going through a very challenging season.  As I speak with friends and read many blogs, I find that I'm not alone.

Here's the quote:

"When we align our thinking with God's, we're given a glimpse of what it's like to see through His eyes.  When we're able to view our storm from His perspective ...it changes everything."
                              ~ Be Still by Cherie Hill ~

So, how do I align my thinking with God's?

God has not left me alone to figure things out according to human wisdom.  The Bible is the inspired Word of God.  It is just as relevant today as when it was written.

When I am afraid, I replace that fear with ...the Truth.

When I become anxious, I remember that He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me.

I apply the Word of God to the storms in my life and ...I am calmed.

My human emotions can easily take over.   

But when I remember who I belong to, I learn to depend more fully on the Lord.  After all, He is in control of all things.  Nothing is impossible for Him. 

As I learn to lean on Him and trust Him, He shows me that He is faithful and has my best interests at heart.

In the midst of the storm, my perspective begins to change.

So, how about you?  Have you aligned your thinking with God's in the midst of your storms?

I encourage you to link your blog post below or simply leave your comments.  I look forward to reading them.

Blessings and love,

In my quest to live fully right where I am, I find that I'm beginning to find delight in simple things.  I received a dancing solar flower for Valentine's Day from one of our three year old students.  I've placed mine in my kitchen window.  When the sun hits, it begins to dance.  Both Greg and I laugh each time we see it.

#15 Dancing solar flower

After lunch each school day, the three year old children lie down on their nap mats.  They're encouraged to spend time resting.  Most days almost all fall asleep.  Notice the red cowgirl boots on Kambria.  Her older brother's class had Western Day.  So she joined in too. :)

#16  The sight of a child's cowgirl boots
#17  Seeing my niece Katie's photo in a magazine photo shoot. 

Katie is the blonde on the right and she works at Fringe Salon  on Broome Street in the lower east side of Manhattan.  If you go to NYC, be sure to check them out and ask for Rosie.  Although her name is Katie, there is another Katie who works there so my Katie became Rosie. :)

I finally used a gift card I received at Christmas to purchase a copy of Sarah Young's book Jesus Lives.  Thanks Charity!

#18  Soaking in the love of Jesus
My friend Iris Nelson is an excellent photographer.  She recently published a beautiful book of her photos accompanied by Bible verses.  She provides encouragement as only Iris can do.

Iris had a contest when she was naming this book.  She blogged about it on Grace Alone and asked for input from other bloggers and ...I won!

I thought this cover photo was perfect for the title: "Fill Me to Overflowing".

Iris was so kind to mail me a copy of the book.  Btw, I highly recommend it.  It's a perfect book to give as a gift to others.  Iris took every one of the photos.  You will be able to see how beautiful Arizona is.  And both Iris and I get to live here.

#19 A wonderful friend and a beautiful state in which to live

#20 Spring break this week

#21 A much needed time of rest and refreshment

#22 Beautiful weather in Phoenix

#23 The sound of birds chirping in the early morning as I pour my cup of coffee

#24 The sound of my keyboard as I type out my blog post


Have I mentioned that I love the world of blogging?  Working full time has cramped my time so I've not been able to visit all of my favorite blogs.  I hope to do some catching up this week though.  I've made so many wonderful friends through blogging.

#25 Blogging; a wonderful way to encourage others and to be encouraged

Reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are has begun to change my outlook on life. 

I am beginning to notice the ordinary simple things in life and to be ...thankful.

I am linking up today with Ann at A Holy Experience to participate in One Thousand Gifts.





Blessings and love,