Real Beauty

I just posted this on my 'Lily Among the Thorns' blog which is for my Girl's Ministry, however, I thought it was very appropriate to share it here, too. Because frankly, no matter how old we are, we will always struggle with our outer appearance. It you don't read anything here, at least take a minute to watch the video below and visit the two links. I hope you are blessed!

I know a lot of our 2:42 groups are going through the Bible Study: The Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. My group (which is the Junior Girls) is going through it also and personally, it is kicking me in the rear. It has been just as good for me to hear as it has been for those girls! What has been so intriguing is that many of these lies we are discussing are lies that are not so obvious and that really bog us down. As hard as it is to do the bible study and realize that you have fallen victim to these oh, so subtle lies, it is rewarding to, in return, to replace those lies with the truth of God's Word.

Yes, it is much easier said than done, but our minds are being renewed slowly, and frankly, Satan hates it.

One of the last lies we discussed was that beautiful girls are worth more. At first I struggled with this lie, because honestly, I know that is not true. I know it is inward beauty that matters. However, I really searched my heart and thought about it, and of course I believe that lie! The reason I struggled with it is because I am not one that has pictures of models taped all over my walls, nor do I read magazine after magazine, or even watch any of the model shows that are all over T.V.

So, what is feeding this lie?

That would be me, myself and I. I don't do any of the things listed above, but I do compare myself to every other girl out there. Who is prettier, has better hair, better skin, a better body, you name it, I compare it! And then to add to that, I see any one of these said girls with their prince charming and immediately my thought is, well of course they have a boy, they're drop dead gorgeous! And that is when I feed the lie, because it is then that I believe that I am not.

The truth is, however, is that 'the King is enthralled by my beauty' (Psalm 45:11) and who am I to compare myself to anybody else?

In all reality, I don't want anybody to like or love me for my looks, especially a boy, but more importantly because of my heart and that Christ would truly shine through me. That I would radiate a light that can only come from Him.

To love and accept somebody merely for their physical appearance is by far one of the most shallow things to do in life. And not only shallow, but it is a sin according to God's Word, check out James 2.

I want to be a person that not only attracts people because of the light of Jesus Christ living in me, but I want to be attracted to those people, too. And, in my short twenty-three years of living, I can name a handful of people that have truly shined the light of Christ. It's just so inviting, and unmistakable. It is contagious!

That is what I was taught from that lie. To no longer compare myself with every pretty girl in the universe, but to truly strive to have that beauty flowing out of me despite what I may or may not look like.

You may be the girl that has posters all over her room and wished you looked just like said poster. My encouragement to you is to take it all down, and start replacing it with truth. The longer you look at those posters, the more you will be disappointed. Our God is a redeeming God and He can redeem your mind! And sister, I pray that you let Him. It doesn't happen overnight (not that it can't!) but it takes patience, perseverance and some serious time in the Word and in prayer.

With that said, I want to share with you three things that are mind boggling to me. We all know that photo shop is our friend and that it can do magical things in pictures but, I am here to tell you that photo shop is every models best friend. It truly does wonders!

Check out this website and this website to see the touch-ups that have occurred to produce the perfect girl you feel that you need to become. Sometimes I want to scream when I see these things because of what it is doing to each of our minds. It's all fake!

I'll be honest with you and tell you that as I have refreshed these websites time and time again the past few days, I've had a weight taken off me (no pun intended!) and burden that has been lifted that I no longer need to have the perfect hair, perfect teeth, or perfect body. There is no such thing as perfect! Praise the Lord that the one true perfect thing, if we are in Christ, resides in us.

Thirdly, take one minute, literally, to watch this clip that Dove produced. I do love Dove and their campaign for Real Beauty! Keep it up, Dove!



And lastly, I pray that each of you, myself included, would honestly start replacing each of these lies with Truth and that you would be the kind of girl that is so inviting because of your pure heart and love for Jesus. Let His face shine upon you, sister!

Love,
Lindsee

Meet Logan

Living in Houston I am blessed to have a wonderful Christian radio station that I absolutely love. I wasn't always a fan of KSBJ back in the day (throughout high school) because frankly, I thought it was lame and I just wasn't into all that "Christian" music. Well, the Lord really stared to convict me about what I was putting in my mind, including the music I listened to, even if it wasn't all that bad.

So, around my Senior year of high school I started listening to just KSBJ and to just Christian music. You'd be shocked to hear that it really did make a difference in my thoughts and just my mind in general.

I still to this day listen to KSBJ all the time and even though I may here a song ten times in one day, I don't complain. I have an iPod full of other encouraging music that they don't even play on KSBJ (like Kari Jobe, Shane & Shane, Jeff Johnson, Jimmy Needham and MANY others) that I can whip out at any moment, and a lot of times I do. However, the DJ's are part of the reason I continue to listen because they are very encouraging and quite hilarious, like um, Susan O' Donnell who cracks me up every morning.

What is so neat is that you can also listen to KSBJ anywhere in the U.S. You can either listen online at their website or through a program called Sky Angel. I know for a fact that my BFF, Joanna, who now lives in Montana does this!

With that said, my Mom sent me a link to this video that you HAVE to watch. It is a two minute clip about a little boy who called into KSBJ from Nebraska a few years ago. It is the sweetest thing I think I have ever heard and it will bless you dearly. The Lord is truly up to something in this little boy's life and it is so obvious.

Take comfort in knowing that our God knows what it's like to be us. He loves you so!

The Ring

Remember back in the day when we discussed thoroughly about my ring situation?

Remember how I told you that my Pastor and Boss, mind you, texted me to tell me to take the ring off?

Well, of course after that text I had to summon my blog peeps, and frankly, y’all did not disappoint.

Well, this is pitiful of me to say, but since then, I have thought long and hard about that stupid ring than I have ever cared to think about it.

It wasn’t so much that I kept wearing the ring, but I finally got down to the bottom of it and asked myself why I was wearing it? Was there a reason, or did I just enjoy it? I mean, if there wasn’t a reason, than why did I think about it so much?

The honest truth is, I have such a love for that ring (for no particular reason) and just enjoyed it on that hand, and that ring finger. It’s where it fit best.

However, the other day as I was watching something, a little birdie in my head just said, “Take it off!”

I was so confused and didn’t do as told, ignored the thought and went on with life.

Until that is, I heard it again. And people just flat kept telling me to take it off.

You see, after much searching, I have realized that one of the main reasons I keep it on is because of fear and safety. I know, how in the universe do those things go together?

Fear of, what if there is never a beautiful shiny diamond to replace it?

Fear of, what if someone did ask me on a date?

Fear of, what if people thought I was desperate by moving my ring?

Fear of, who would ask me on a date?

Fear of, what if that date was really awkward and we had nothing to talk about?

Fear of, what if I did go on a date, and he never called me back cause he didn’t like me?

Fear of, what if I never got married? (Yep, I said it!)

The safety part, you ask? The safety part is, I think unconsciously in my mind my ring has kept me safe from all of these fears.

I think the thought of any of those coming true scare me half to death. Honestly.

Part of the reason is because I have never experienced any of that and so I just don’t know what to expect. It’s a whole new ball game. And part of it is the fact that we all have the desire to be loved and accepted and the fear of rejection is gripping.

The other part of it is that, for my whole college career, except for the last year, I didn’t wear a ring on my ring finger. Nope. Not one. You know how many dates I got? Not one. Hence the reason I think this whole ring thing was silly. In college I was surrounded by guys, and clearly, the ring off didn’t determine if I got one date or not.

Since then I’ve worn a ring on that finger.

However, my pastor Dave said it best the other day when he said to me, “Lindsee, you can’t give boys credit. They’re stupid.” Meaning, they take one look at the ring and I’m off limits. I’m automatically taken.

My response to that has always been, if they want to know, they’ll get to know me better and know I was single.

Which leads me to my next issue, am I letting any guys get to know me? Would I give them the time of day?

Sadly, I think the answer to that question would be a big, fat, ugly, “No!”

I say “No” for fear of being vulnerable with somebody. Or really, someone of the opposite sex.

In a Q&A session between Christy Nockels (who is my forever favorite) and Beth Moore at a fun event called “Tell Me How” , some of the girls asked where we can find a man besides church. The answers were pretty funny, and then someone yelled out, “He’ll find you!” Yes, as much as that is true and we want someone to find us and pursue us, Beth said right back, “But, we want to stay findable!” Hilarious.

However, am I staying “findable?”

I know He is bigger than my ring, I know that without a shadow of a doubt, but I believe part of the reason my ring has been such a big issue is because I know I am safe with it on.

I already am not around many single men these days, and when I am, I have on that ring and who knows what they’re thinking? I’m honestly not giving them much of a chance.

So y’all, the ring is off. Yes, folks, it is. There you have it.

What’s so funny about all of this is one of my best friends, while hanging out today, gave me a booked titled, How to Get a Date Worth Keeping.

Normally I wouldn’t read a book like this, but as Dana was sitting at my table this afternoon reading snippets from it, I was very intrigued. It talks about fear and really just putting yourself out there and being “available.” I’m not saying I’m going to live by this book, but I think it will have some interesting points that I could definitely put into practice.

The tagline is, “Be Dating in Six Months or Your Money Back.” (Or for that money, my BFF’s money back since she got it for me! And, for those of you who think that is the meanest BFF ever to get that book for me, think again. I love her to pieces and she’s just heard really good things about it! She’s the kind of BFF that can do a thing like that!)

Also, before you go thinking that this is what I will consume myself with for the next “six months” rest assured, I will not.

I know that my relationship with Christ should take top priority over any other relationship in my life. He just want’s me to do my part, and of course, trust Him along the way. And that’s how it should be!

So, how’s that for a counseling session between me, myself and I? I do apologize if you think this is TMI, frankly, it is just my heart!

On that note, here’s to the next six months!

Live Love

This weekend was nothing short of a God ordained and God honoring weekend. I can honestly say that, and with great joy.

As you remember me telling you Friday, the theme for the weekend was Live Love. Oh y'all, it could not have come at a better time! Francis Chan is a wonderful communicator. I am now on the hunt for his book, Crazy Love. The Lord has gifted that man tremendously and is using him mightily to further the kingdom. If you haven't heard of him, or even heard him teach the Word, you are truly missing a treat. He definitely does not take the Word of God lightly and it is very evident.

However, before you read any further, I need you to go read Revelation 4. Go. Now.

Y'all, do you realize that that is the God we are praying to? Francis taught on this passage Friday night and I think it changed all of our perspectives for the better, and rightfully so. We serve a Mighty God who sits on a Mighty Throne. Amen!

Of course we all went back to our host homes Friday night and were pooped. Fridays are always hard nights because of the day you've had. However, even our exhaustion kept us up till 2:30 to arise at 6:00 a.m.! I don't think I've ever prayed more for supernatural energy from God than I did this weekend. And I am so serious!

Saturday Francis really took us into the Live Love part of the retreat and boy oh boy did he pull it all together in an awesome way.

I am going to spare you every detail and topic because frankly, we'd be here forever, however, the thing that got each of our hearts stirring was the end when he used the analogy that we as a church are like a football team. Or really, a poor one. We get in our "huddles" make all these plans and talk all this talk, then go sit on the bench. And that's it. Y'all, the sad thing is, that is the church these days. We're talking the talk, oh yeah, and doing a mighty fine job, but when it actually comes to serving and living out love, we stink. And no, I am not blaming all of your churches and not looking at mine, I am putting my church in this category, too. It's not that we aren't doing anything, it's just the fact that we could be doing so much more, but sadly, we aren't.

That struck a cord.

That afternoon when we got home, I threw out the curriculum (which was fabulous, by the way, and very thorough!) and got down and dirty with the girls. Because honestly, we'd just heard a Word that was not to go unnoticed. So, I asked them two questions: Is your relationship with God growing and if not, why not? And, how are we as a group, and as individuals going to start living love? If we didn't make a plan right then, nothing was going to happen. Needless to say, it brought up some great conversations.

Little did we know (because I forgot my cell phone in the car) that the seniors had been moved also, and were planning a trip downtown the next morning to feed and clothe the homeless. Amazing! Our group was immediately on board and we started doing what we could like collecting things and getting food together. Four groups ended up going!

There is nothing neater than to see the Lord work in the heart of a teenager. It is a blessing!

That night, as a large group, a game was planned that was very similar to a scavenger hunt sending each grade group door to door. Basically, they had to collect things that were "bigger and better" than the thing they'd been given.

Well, my girls really didn't want to play the game, and since we were already going from door to door, they wanted to instead, collect things for the homeless! I didn't object! So, our group split up and some of the girls played the game, while the rest of us went door to door to collect things like blankets and jackets and food for the homeless. It was so neat to watch the girls interact with complete strangers and explain to them what we were doing! They were totally out of their comfort zones (by choice!) and were being so bold. Little did they know they were sharing Christ just by explaining what they were doing.

It was thrilling to see how gracious the people were and to see the girls keep going even when some people could care less what they were doing and shut the door in their face. (Or just didn't answer even when we could see them inside!) We collected a whole Yukon XL trunk of things. The girls were so encouraged and pumped!

That night we went back to church where we had a time of worship with Roger Cullins and also spent time worshipping through spoken word! It was a time the students could share either something they had learned that weekend, or share their testimony. It was a great night and Roger did a great job at leading us in song!

After we left church that night, we went home to make our PB&J sandwiches, and then started our devotion/encouragement time at about midnight. Y'all, this is where I tell you that we were up until 5:15 a.m. No joke. My eyes are heavy thinking about it! However, I wouldn't have traded my sleep for anything else. It was such and edifying time! Really, that night, we just took a short nap.

We woke up Sunday morning, with the heaviest of eyes, got dressed, cleaned up and headed downtown. Of course, our group was late because we took the road that happen to be shut down, so we had a little detour, but, we finally made it, took in our clothes and food, helped sort everything and then left. Since there were so many of us, only the seniors could stay and serve breakfast, but, the girls still felt that the time there was not wasted. And, it got them thinking about what else we could do, and when they could go back!

On our way to church we, of course, stopped at Starbucks and I loved nothing more than taking a sip of caffeine. Oh, it was nice!

Y'all, the weekend was such that the Lord planned every detail ahead of time and the students obeyed Him. It was probably one of the neatest and best retreat weekends that has happened in a long time. And has not doubt gotten each of our minds on how we can be the church and actually rise up to Live Love. I pray that this is true of your church, too. If not, be the one to start something. I'll tell you what I always tell myself and pray, "And let it begin with me!"

My girls joyfully making the sandwiches. I worked hard by taking pictures and video! ;)

Just a little pile.
Look at this goodness.

I wouldn't expect anything else than a car full of sleeping girls on the way downtown. This is what going to bed at 5:15 a.m. and waking up way to early to go downtown will do to you!

They're so sweet when they're sleeping! ;)

About half of my group at Starbucks (or course!) after our outing! We thoroughly enjoyed our caffeine intake.

And lastly, enjoy a few videos of our "lack of sleep" Saturday night. Sorry they are probably all our of order! (Oh, and please forgive the "fart" comment at the end of this video. We are truly sorry if it offends anyone!) ;)

If you made it to the end of this post, bless you! Sending much love your way!

Lindsee

Randomess Consumes Me

I have been one of the worst blogger as of late. The issue is, I have about 5739 posts whirling around in my head, however, sometimes I get so overwhelmed by it all, so I just don't blog about anything. I feel like I used to have a better 'happy medium' and now I can't seem to be consistent. Oh well!

With that said, here are a bunch (or maybe two) randoms going on in my oh-so-splendid life.

1) I need y'all to know that "The Inheritance" Bible Study has been nothing short of amazing. Oh my goodness, I can't get enough of it. I also can't believe that we only have three (or four?) more sessions left. This semester bible study has flown by and I am so sad for it to end. I could go on and on and on about it, and write a gazillion posts, but then again, it's one of those times that I don't know if writing it here will do it any justice. But, know that HE is so working and is using Beth mightily. One thing that I do plan on sharing with you, hopefully sometime next week, is a quote Beth told us that Melissa said. It was really nothing just jaw dropping, and really, I don't know why my heart attached to the statement so much, but since Tuesday, it has been pressed so heavy on me and brought me much comfort. Okay, so how's that for a teaser?

2) I had Chinese food for lunch three times this week. Y'all, that is flat out wrong. I mean, I don't eat the healthiest when eating Chinese food! I tend to lean more towards the fried foods among the many options, however, I truly can't get enough of it, it is my absolute favorite.

Side note: As much as I love it, I don't plan on eating it ever again on a night I will be attending Jazzercise. At Monday night's class, I was burping up General Tso's Chicken and Fried Rice the entire time. Disgusting.

3) I rented High School Musical 3 last night. I know, go ahead, laugh all you want. However, these movies highly entertain me! Yes, it is so far from any reality high school, but I eat it up. I will say, however, that they definitely cranked it up a notch for number three and really went all out. It was more of a "musical" than any of them, in my opinion. Meaning, they were actually performing on stage a lot of the time. Unlike the other ones where they bust out in song, you know, in the swimming pool with a pink grand piano.

Side note #2: After watching each of the movies, I always feel the need to call my friends and family by their schools mascot. Like, "Hey, cougar!" (Which would be my high schools mascot.) So cheesy.

4) On that note, I'll inform you that we have been gearing up for our high school retreat this weekend. It has been a fast week, if you ask me. We always hook up with Student Life for our "home" retreat and they never fail us. We are so excited and ready. This years theme is "Live Love" and I know without a shadow of a doubt it will hit home for all of us, including the leaders. The bottom line is that we as Christians do an awful job at "living love" to not only those around us whom we love dearly, but especially to the "onlookers." Non-Christians see us as hypocritical and judgement, and rightfully so, in my opinion. I think all of us, including myself, could live a little more love like Jesus did. Because if we want to reach anybody we need to remember that "By this ALL men will know you are my disciples, if you LOVE one another." John 13:35 So, if we come to mind this weekend, we would love a prayer lifted up on our behalf. That the Spirit would move and that hearts would respond. The conference can't change hearts. The speaker can't change hearts. The worship leader can't change hearts. Only God can, so we are asking Him for just that. This is just a tool! Thank you so much, in advance, for praying! We appreciate it more than you know.

5) And lastly, as we've been gearing up for our retreat this weekend, I keep referring to this exact weekend last year, when we had our retreat and I am pretty sure it was one of the craziest, most exhausting weekends of my life to date. I was student teaching, had the biggest project due that next Monday, was leading a retreat, and in the middle of the retreat had to go take an exit exam in Huntsville for teaching. And after all was said and done, I was up way to late Sunday night (after no sleep anyway) to wake up at 5 a.m. and drive to Huntsville, yet again, to turn in my project. Needless to say, I am more than thankful that it is not as crazy this weekend. Yes, retreats are always a crazy, exhausting weekend, but to have that much going on at once was just plain nutty.

Well, I'm out! I've got a bag to pack, and some copies to make. Have a great weekend, y'all!

A Valentine's Weekend

Before I tell you about the fabulous weekend I had, I just want to set the record straight by telling you that I thoroughly, even as a single girl, enjoy Valentine's Day. I truly always have. Granted, there were the years that it seemed that every girl was getting flowers from her secret admirer and I did feel a tad left out, but I also believe that the Lord has graciously allowed me to enjoy this day despite the fact that I've never had a Valentine. I mean, if you haven't already figured out by now, I AM such a girl, so this whole L-O-V-E day does my heart some good. I'm not a fan of the saying "S.A.D Day." Singles Awareness Day. I say enjoy the day whatever your status.

With that said, I did have probably one of the sweetest Valentine weekends yet.

Friday I got home from work to find that I had two packages waiting for me to be opened. I was so excited! A few weeks ago on the Siesta Fiesta blog they asked all the single girls on a certain post to leave a comment, so being a single girl, you guessed it, I left a comment. Later on I was prompted to send my address to someone. So, I did as I was told.

Well, they had paired up a Single Siesta with a Married Siesta and the Married Siesta was to send a gift to the Single Siesta. My Married Siesta was sweet Melinda, and she did not disappoint. The sweet packages I had waiting for me were both from her! And she sure knows how to win the heart of a girl.

I was literally on my way out to meet Jen to see Confessions of a Shopaholic so I only opened the Pro Flowers box, and I pulled out a beautiful bouquet of roses. So sweet. And as I left my heart was full and it was the sweetest little blessing!

When I got home from the movie, which was absolutely adorable and clean, I opened the following box and in it was some Red Box Chocolates. Not only that, they are all in the shape of a frog! How cute is that? Roses and chocolate. Melinda is awesome!

This is what the box of chocolates says on it. So great!

In each box was a cute letter that said this! How sweet is she. And I hope she knows that I did indeed accept them from the Prince of my heart! And for those of you wondering, the passage she referred to is about the wedding of the Lamb and the bride making herself ready. How appropriate to be Christ's bride this weekend.

Thank you so much, Melinda. You blessed my heart!

Saturday I spent most of the day getting ready for some of the high school girls that were coming over that night. We had a "While We're Waiting" party. When I got home from running errands I had a gift on my bed from my Dad. It was some chocolate and a Disney Princess CD. I was a little thrown off at first because as much as I love me some Disney Princesses, I wasn't sure why he would buy his 23 year old daughter a children's CD. And, on top of that, my name was on the CD and the cover. What?

However, my Dad is so funny. He found this place that is going out of business, and basically, you can custom make a CD for anybody. They have all sorts of themes and names you can use and then they make the CD for you right there. So, he felt inclined to make me a princess CD. The funniest thing is that throughout the whole CD, they say your name in the songs. I have no doubt that a little girl would fall IN LOVE with this. It really is a clever idea, and my Dad says it's his favorite Valentine gift he's given me! It is so cute. I think I have had more fun playing it for people. Everyone gets a kick out of it!

Here are my parents leaving for their fun night out. Their small group did a mystery dinner! So, please don't think this is how they normally dress. They were in costume and ready to roll!

My gifts!

The infamous "Disney Princess Tea Party" CD. Of course, with my name on it.

A few of the girls!

After dinner!

They all got a rose from me when they left. Because just like Melinda said, every girl should have some roses on Valentine's Day.

Love 'em!

I had an absolutely fabulous weekend. There truly wasn't one second that I wished for a man, or felt sorry for myself. I felt so covered in HIS love this weekend! And that is my honest heart. I asked Him that He would be enough for me this weekend, and my sweet Jesus did not disappoint. He is so good like that!

I hope your Valentine's Day was extra sweet and that you too felt His eternal love wrapped around you.

I Am Such a Girl

And I am 100% okay with that.

I got so tickled today as I was talking to Jen about He's Just Not That Into You. As we were discussing the movie, she reminded me of the part where Ben Affleck holds Jennifer Anniston after she got upset over something, and of course the first words out of my mouth were, "Yeah, I am pretty sure that was one of my favorite parts!"

She laughed and agreed that of course it was, because I am the girl that is obsessed with guys who hold girls while they are crying. Or at least want to make sure they are okay.

I'm not sure why. I just think it is downright precious.

Maybe it's because I'm a hugger? (Although I wasn't always one!) Maybe it's because I want it to happen to me one day? Maybe it's because I love the tenderness of it?

I don't know, but I find that I could watch scenes like that over and over again and not get bored. Wierd, I know.

However, it also reminds me nearly every time that it is what Jesus does for us. Does He not tell us that He holds every tear in a bottle? And I know for certain, that if He were hear on earth, physically, while I was crying, he would hold me.

I love it. And I love Him.

Absolutely precious.

With that said, enjoy a scene from Alias that steals my heart every time. Have I ever mentioned that this was my favorite show during it's prime time? And honestly, do I even need to address the fact that I am pretty sure Michael Vartan is my favorite actor? Oh yes, yes he is.

So, now that I've divulged mine, what is your "secret obsession?" Or silly thing that you could watch over and over again. Or, how does your man comfort you when you're upset? I am a hopeless romantic.

The Haircast

We as women, especially women in Texas, consider hair to be a big deal. (No pun intended.)

It is of much value and is highly important.

However, here in Houston we have a little friend we like to call humidity. It's really not so much our friend as it is our enemy, but they say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

I've never known how to keep humidity, as my enemy, close until a glorious recent discovery I made on my new favorite website called Just Weather.

If you're wondering, the website really is, just weather.

As a meteorologist wannabe, this website brings to my heart a joy that was unknown until this discovery. I love nothing more than pulling up this website each morning to assess what my wardrobe will behold that day. And just by the click of a button. And just for Houston, Texas. (Don't be discouraged by the "just for Houston, Texas" part, there are other cities available for this gloriousness, too.)

However, I was elated the other day upon my findings of the haircast this site also provides.

It is as easy as one, two, three.

1) Scroll Down.

2) Enter your zip code.

3) Press enter.

Automatically a precious, curly headed girl has your haircast for you. We'll call her Suzy for kicks.

Bad. Fair. And Good.

Those are her choices.

Suzy is not really my BFF because each day, except today, have been "Bad" hair days. And homegirl was right on. The humidity, plus the rain made for a Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad 'Hair' Day.

However, I appreciate what she does for me and my hair.

Honestly, why mess with my hair for an hour each day if the minute I walk out it's going to poof like a puffer fish. (And yes, those exist.) Those are the days the ponytail is in order.

I just felt the need to share with you, ladies, about this find of mine that has changed my life. I so hope it can change yours, too. And if not your life, at least your day.

Aqua Poppy Designs

If you are on a reader of some sort, feel free to make your way over to my actual blog to see the fun, new design. I am still playing with some of the colors, but for right now will leave it as is!

I found some of the cutest designs from Aqua Poppy Designs. It is very similar to the Cutest Blog on the Block designs!

There were so many fun ones that I didn't know which one to choose, so, don't be surprised if you see my background change often. And, feel free to make your way over there, too. I seriously love nothing more than free, cute blog designs!

Hope you all have a great weekend! I am working than am off to our ladies retreat in Kemah!

"I'm just one stomach virus away from my goal weight."

For the record: I am totally kidding about the above title. It is a funny quote from 'The Devil Wears Prada.'

Let me just start by saying that this has been the year of sickness. Seriously. Everywhere I turn someone either has the flu, a cold or a stomach virus. I think I'm starting to talk myself into illness, you know, because I'm a hypochondriac and everything, and my obsessive thoughts take me places I would never like to go.

With that said, do you know you can talk yourself into being sick? Oh, you surely can.

However, there is no way I talked myself into the stomach virus I got {whenever I got it}, I'm still not too sure. I don't know if it was a continuation of what happened on Saturday, or if I caught something in a day.

But, Monday I came down with some type of stomach virus, and it was far from attractive.

The truth is, Sunday evening I truly thought I was feeling better from Saturday's drama. So, I forced myself to eat some veggies at a Super Bowl party. And of course a brownie.

Fact #1: Do not force yourself to eat when not hungry.

So, Monday I got up, went to work and honestly felt fine that morning. Yes, I was weak and a bit tired, but I assumed it was because of the lack of food I had eaten since noon on Saturday. I had a scone for breakfast and fixed myself a cup of coffee. All went downhill after that. At about 1:00 I forced myself yet again {please remember fact #1 in the future} to make a Lean Cuisine for lunch. I brought it back to my desk and literally took all of two bites, and tossed it. I felt so wasteful, but the smell of it made me want to gag.

I figured by then I should probably go home because I was decreasing fast. But, I am one of those people who feels awful if I have to leave early. So, dumb me stayed at work till 5:00 and was everything but productive.

I came home and crashed in my bed.

As the night went on, I did nothing but lay in a chair, and drink all of three sips from a Gatorade and a water.

However, I could keep nothing in me.

And I hadn't been keeping anything in me since about noon that day.

Fact #2: The Stomach Virus is the fast track to loosing weight. I'm not saying it's the healthy way, but whether you like it or not, the pounds fall off.

I finally got the strength to go to bed around 11:00, however, I was up till 3:00 am. It was brutal.

Needless to say, I stayed home on Tuesday. And slept. Pretty much all day.

I did make it to Bible Study Tuesday night, but was well enough to go, and laid pretty low there, too. It really was a 24 hour bug and by then I was over it, just a little weak. {And just for the record, Beth was a ball! She was on fire! The teaching was awesome, and she was overjoyed to where it spilled over. It was the funnest thing!}

Fact #3: Feeling weak, tired and nauseated during said virus is normal.

Since Tuesday, I have eaten the most bland foods you can imagine.

Fact #4: You eat very bland foods that won't upset the digestive system after all is said and done and pray it stays in you.

My diet as of Saturday has consisted of: water, Gatorade, vegetables (Sunday night), a scone, two pieces of toast, sprite, white rice, and crackers.

And yesterday for lunch I had the most bland Subway sandwich. I don't think Subway should even make a sandwich that bland legal.

Do you want to know the miracle in all of this? I have not had a Diet Coke since last Friday. Gasp! I do have a feeling that's part of the reason I am feeling more tired than usual. I'm secretly thinking about giving up all caffeinated beverages since I'm already on a roll, and because of the start of my "Take It Off" challenge at Jazzercise. I'll let you know how that challenge to myself goes.

I have slowly been getting my energy and strength back especially after Saturday's episode, and thankfully so, because tomorrow I am going on our ladies retreat. It should be a good time and a nice get away from all the busyness!

So, how's that for a Debbie Downer couple of posts? I hope you all are staying healthy and well.

Don't forget to be OCD about washing your hand, friends! Healthy blessings your way!