a nutshell

just a quick post today sharing one of my favorite Christmas presents from my mom...the most adorable, helpful book!!



it has such originial, unique ideas...while I was thumbing through it, I took some quick snaps of some of my favorite ideas so that you all could have a sneak peek :)

super space savy kitchen

turning a painting into a side table

bedroom loft

a 'book nook'

I love her theme in the book to "delight, dazzle, and divert"...meaning if you fancy a small area up enough people won't notice how tiny it really is! I also like it because it is a way of making the most of what you have, and taking great care of things you do have. great reminder because I could really do better about this...

 P.S...could be a GREAT gift for anyone in college or just out on their own, in a first apartment, etc.

have a happy day!

overcoming

it was a glorious weekend here...lots of sunshine and smiles! but for some reason when monday hits (not necessarily monday, just the first of 3 nights in a row at this hosital) I get an overwhelming feeling of self-pity, and selfishness. and as much as I try not to feel this way, I just can't seem to kick it.

my prayer request for today...pray that I overcome these feelings of dread, self-pity and selfishness. because life is short and we should: 'give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.'  1 Thessalonians 5:18 ....and God certainly did not intend for me to be lying around in my bed fighting sleep and feeling sorry for myself. so thank you for your prayers today, friends...

...and I am praying today for anyone who might feel similar feelings or who might be facing REAL difficulties. Know that I am praying for you today.

some comfort for me today: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33  ....food for thought...If God was able to overcome the world...then certainly I can overcome these negative feelings and rest in his peace. right?

writing this is such a good pep talk for me...I feel better already!

until next time...have a great week!

spring fever

well, it's official. with this recent sneak peek of spring like, BEAUTIFUL weather down here in Charleston...I have crazy spring fever. and although we have had a very mild winter, I am still looking so forward to springtime :)

sometimes I don't like when stores jump ahead to the next season so quickly...I usually think "well, for goodness sake, let us finish enjoying the current season"....BUT not with spring! I have loved seeing all the pastel colors slowly pop up in the lovely stores along King St.!! It lifts my spirits! and this sunshiny weather hasn't hurt either...;)

my hubby and I have really enjoyed being in Charleston for the "off season"...seeing everything decorated for Christmas, and not as many crowded streets and beaches. it puts it in a whole new light. it is really is a wonderful city...year round! but we are also looking forward to seeing this city get cranked back up again so we can take full advantage of the fun beaches and water sports again.

...and even though i'll miss the coziness of fall and winter, I am excited for the lightness of spring and the new beginnings that it brings!

here are a few images that capture my vision of Spring and will hopefully make your day a little brighter also! :)











what are some of your favorite things about Spring?!

have a wonderful thursday!!

hopeFULLY

my fabulous mother-in-law gave me the devotional book, Jesus Today, by Sarah Young, for Christmas.

It is such a amazing little book, but the main reason I love it so much is because it is all about HOPE.

I don't know about y'all but I tend to use the word "hopefully" alot. I like to think this is because I am always hopeful. but not necessarily. haha.

this is probably a obvious realization to all of you but when I was reading the book I began to look at the word "hopefully" differently. I started to think of it as 2 words: Hope and Fully. The word hope is used so many times throughout the Jesus Today book and the Bible that it makes you wonder. I think God is trying to tell us something...and I think that something is that we should Hope Fully by placing our Hope, FULLY in Him...get it? Hope...fully...:)

 If we do this, we will find peace. peace in knowing He is in complete control and that we have nothing to fret about. SO...be hopeful. BUT be hopeful in the Lord and his blessings and promises. and NOT in earthly things or people. when we HOPE in this way, we will never be disappointed.

and now, an excerpt from Jesus Calling, also by Sarah Young, a gift from my sweet friend Elizabeth....'Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. HOPE is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to Hope, and My rays of light will reach you through darkness.' ....LOVE that.

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all who Hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24

happy wednesday!!

forward focus

happy new year!!!

sorry I have been a little slack and haven't posted in a while. it has been a combo of both "blogger's block" and holiday busyness! my husband and I were very blessed to be able to spend some great time with our families over the holidays!

with this new year, I have been doing some reflecting ( I am always a sentimental one)...and I do think SOME reflecting is good and healthy but too much dwelling on the past is not good for us. it leads to feelings of regret, gulit, and would've, should've, could've's...

I was lying in bed trying to sleep/nap before my night shift yesterday and had all kinds of thoughts going through my head. this usually happens when I try to sleep...I lay down to go to sleep and suddenly remember all the things I need to do or should have done, etc. ....yesterday, I was thinking about the past year and what things I should have done differently, how I should have spent more time with certain people, how fast it went by...and on and on. I was getting anxious and almost upset thinking about all the things I regret in the past year/years when I was suddenly comforted by a feeling of peace and hope for the future. after getting up, I sat down to read my daily devotional and have some quiet time and what do you know?...it was about how we should "focus forward" how appropriate! it was accompanied by the verse Philippians 3:13: 'Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.'

I thought this was the perfect time to share this with all of you with the start of this new year!

so leave all the regrets of the past year behind and focus forward my friends and happy weekend!! :)