Being Intentional... week 2

Last week, I posted about how I wanted to start sharing something different each week that I am going to be intentional about- something that I feel will help me to grow in my walk with God or something that I think will benefit those around me. For the first week, I shared that I wanted to start reading to my kids every night again, not just story books, but also the Bible. In case you are wondering how I did, I'd say that we have improved, but we did skip a few nights this week. Sometimes it is just hard, especially if little ones are not feeling well and want to go to bed early. I am going to continue to try to make it a point to read to my children every night. I'm sure when we get back in the habit it will get easier.

For this week, I have decided that I am going to be intentional about doing everything with a joyful heart. I think this will be quite a challenge. It is so easy to complain about having to do things that we don't like, but I think our attitudes can make a huge difference. For example, there are certain household chores that I really dislike, but they have to be done. Instead of grumbling and complaining about having to do them, I should be thankful that I am able bodied and I have the ability to do them. I should also be thankful that I have a house to clean.
"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:14-15 ESV

Another way of looking at is it that everything that I "own" really belongs to God. It is because of Him that I have anything and that I'm able to do anything. Everything I do should be for His glory and I should do it as if I were doing it for Him. So instead of saying, "Oh man! Today I HAVE to clean the fish tank. Blah!" I should say, "Today I GET to clean the fish tank and take care of one of God's creations."
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17 ESV
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24 ESV

So this week, I am going to be intentional about reading to my children every night and doing everything with a joyful heart. I would appreciate any prayers and please let me know if you would like me to pray for you as well. What are you going to be intentional about this week?

Since Valentine's Day is just right around the corner, I want to share with you a few Valentine looks that can fit into almost any budget. Every item is less than $20.

This casual look makes me think of Valentine's Day because of the roses on the sweater, but it's not too over the top. I like how the necklace and heels dress it up a little.

Sweater here /Jeans here/ Shoes here/ Necklace here

Total outfit cost:$52.45

I also wanted to put together a date night look and carry on the rose theme.

Faux Fur Cape here/ Necklace here/ Dress here/  Shoes here/ Purse here

Total outfit cost: $67.75

I hope you all have a great week. Thanks for reading!

Being intentional...week 1

It has been so long since I posted anything. Yes, I am still here. And, no, I have not had a major crisis. The truth is, lately I have been going back and forth about whether or not to continue blogging. Sometimes, I feel like I am just wasting my time on something that is trivial. I want everything that I do to glorify God. Often, I quote scripture verses, but I wish there was more I could do to reach out to others and share my faith through my blog. I have decided that for now, I will keep blogging, but I think I'm going to start something new. Each week, I'm going to share something that I'm going to try to do (or try not to do) to be more intentional in my walk with Christ. I think as Christians, sometimes we are expected to be perfect, like we used to be sinners, but now that we're saved we are supposed to be perfect. Well, we aren't perfect, and there are things that we all struggle with; that's why we need a Savior. The things that I struggle with may not be the same as the things that you struggle with, but we all have something. I'm going to try to choose something different every week that I think will help me to get closer in my walk with God or something that I think will benefit those around me (could be something big or small). I would love for you to join me and share with me what you are going to be more intentional about each week.
For my first week, I am going to be more intentional about reading to my children. My husband and I used to be really good about reading to them every night. We let them each pick out a book and then we would also read a Bible story to them. Lately, we have been busy, tired, and it gets to be their bedtime and we just skip it. I think that reading to your children in general is very important, but especially reading the Word of God with them and having family prayer and devotion time. I'm hoping that if we instill in our children the importance of reading their Bible at a young age, and continue as they grow older, they will make it a priority for the rest of their lives.

I will still share outfits and other things as well. Here is what I wore to church today...

(closer up so you can see the necklace)

Dress: Old Navy (I used a gift card that I got for Christmas, but it was on clearance for $8.99) here

Faux Leather Jacket: Thrift Store $3

Necklace: jane.com $12.99

Booties: Old (gift)

Gold Sequin Clutch: jane.com $9.99

Total: $25.98

 

I hope everyone has had a great weekend! Please let me know if you want to join me in the "Being Intentional Challenge".