He Restores My Soul

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Recently, I was asked to write my personal faith testimony as part of an application to shepherd a child at a Christian school.  This was overwhelming at first.  I didn't want to just quickly write something so important! But with some thought, I realized the words were already there.

I've wanted to post this on my blog, both to record it for myself, and also to share with you.  What better time than Easter weekend?

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There are many pieces of scripture that I turn to in all phases of life- when I am joyful, when
I am sad, when I am anxious, or when I just need to be reminded of the Lord's presence. Of
all these verses, there is one that encompasses my faith, my very core, in just four words-
"He restores my soul," the first half of Psalm 23:3.

I was blessed to grow up with incredible parents, and teachers in a Christian school, who
taught me about God's unconditional love for as far back as I can remember. They instilled
in me the values and morals that I still uphold today, and for that I am so thankful. I
remember, at age seven, being told that to be saved, all I had to do was accept Jesus Christ
as my Lord and Savior and ask Him into my heart. I did exactly that, and I've been asking
Him to stay in my heart and guide my path ever since.

There are times when I face struggles, or self-doubt, or am weary and feeling
lost. Sometimes it's easy to become discouraged, or ask why things happen the way they
do. But, even looking back on hard situations, I know that God has used those experiences
to show me that I cannot do it alone- that I need Him- and to make me stronger and shape
me into the person He wants me to be. And any struggle cannot even compare with all of
the beauty and wonder of this world, and the experiences and relationships with others that
He's given me.

Like each of us, I am unworthy of the Lord's never-ending faithfulness. What a perfect gift
He gave us in sending His son to save us all. I am truly blessed beyond measure.

Day after day, His grace and promise is made new, and His love never fails.

Again and again, He restores my soul.

Leopard Spots & Polka Dots

Texas weather can be such a trickster sometimes.  A couple of weeks ago, we were flirting with spring and I was overjoyed to pull out my sandals and short sleeves.  This week it was back to chilly temps, and I was reacquainted with my winter coats. I suppose this is okay since I have a major love affair with my pink J. Crew coat and will be sad to put it away until next year.

I'm starting to get a little burned out on my winter wear, so I've tried to get creative.  I like to think that picking out an outfit in the morning before work is a little brain booster.  What can I say, I work at a brain research center!

I'd only ever worn this leopard skirt with black tights and a cardigan, but I grabbed this ruffled top, normally a summery piece for me, an added a jacket, both for warmth and to really pull it together. Normally I don't like to wear my hair in a ponytail, but for some reason, I received several compliments on it that day and was told I looked very professional- score!

Shirt, bracelet, earrings: Target // Skirt: Nordstrom

I also gave this whole bracelet-stacking business a whirl.  Everyone else seems to be able to pull this off, but it has yet to work for me- maybe because my wrists are small and nothing stays in place? Or perhaps I'm just not stacking the right pieces?

Any stacking pros out there who can help a sister out?

As for a "going out" outfit this weekend, I put together my red jeans with a polka dot top and loved the combination- wish I had tried this sooner! And I finally figured out how to curl my own hair. More on this later.  Let me tell you, it's a little bit of a miracle!

Shirt: Old Navy // Jeans: Dillard's

Ideal Weekend

I've said before that my ideal weekend is a perfect combination of fun, productivity, and relaxation- and this weekend was just that!

I spent plenty of time with my girls-

 

Night in with yummy dinner, wine, and a movie.

We chose Hotel Rwanda, feeling intellectual, and while we learned a lot, it is such a sad movie! Not our best idea.

 

However, margaritas in downtown Fort Worth with my sweet friend Megan... that was a good idea!

Also got together with bride-to-be Sarah and one of her other bridesmaids for alterations, which was both fun and productive.  Less than three months until she's a Mrs.!

I had plenty of downtime for relaxation, and went for a long Sunday afternoon walk in my neighborhood.  I've failed at my resolution to exercise, so this was a good start back into a healthy routine.  And, I went into major cleaning mode, and the apartment is looking better than it has in a while! Let's hope it stays that way for a little bit.

How was your weekend?!