Simply complex

 One of my favorite magazines to scramble through whenever I get the time is Real Simple.  Their slogan, "life made easier, every day", seems valid to what I have come to know. But then again, every time I look at it, I get inspired to do more and more things, and at the end, my thoughts become more complex about ideas I want to do because of how many choices there are to make. 

For example, they currently are showing different ways to set a table. (Aren't they all wonderful?!). In studying them I realize how similar this idea is to us as humans and the purpose that we serve...this may be a stretch, but walk with me...

Each of these settings are all uniquely and specifically made. All have different themes. Different colors. Different center-pieces. Different silverware. Different drinks.             



When considering myself compared to you, we are strikingly similar. We were uniquely and thoughtfully designed and created to be made in the image of God. We have different personalities. Maybe a different gender. Different families. Different interests. Different passions. Different friends. Different favorite movies. And even all the way down to having a different fingerprint.

Unlike any one else in the world.

And while growing up, we spend so much time to emphasize our differences to distinguish ourselves from the rest of our friends...and while, we may all choose to do different things, we were created to serve the same purpose. To bring glory to God.




Although some people may encourage you to "just pick one" when trying to decide between the endless choices and colors when setting "your table", we need to realize that it is really important for us to actively choose the things we incorporate into our lives, because they affect the way we live.

Every day we have choices to make in what we want to pour into ourselves. Good friends that spur us on or someone who brings you down.

Do you listen to rap music all day long, or do you choose to listen and sing songs that praise His name and don't affect your mind?

Do you treat your body as a temple...with what you eat, how you dress, and if you exercise and get enough sleep?

 I've realized that I forget how important it is to be honorable even in the little things, for they affect me just as much.

 I guess my encouragement to you is to not compare yourself to others, to realize how unique and intricately created you are from our heavenly Father, and to put thought into what you choose to incorporate into your life.

Joyfully His, 

Lex

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart."

Jeremiah 29:13

Song & Scripture

This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

 

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.

No remain in my love."

 

If you obey my commands then you will remain in my love, as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love.

 

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one that this, that he would lay down his life for his friends. 

John 15:8-13

This song has blessed me so much recently, hope you enjoy!

 

The Garden - NeedtoBreathe

Also, they will be in Austin,TX on November 30th if you would like to see them in concert :)

Joyfully His,  Lex

Hand-written fingerprints

A camper of mine recently and I decided to start to hand write each other. There is just something so special about receiving something in the mail, and of all people who take advantage of the opportunity my mother is THE best about sending me mail. Even if it is something simple. This past week she just sent me a little post-it and a clipping from a newspaper article over a J.Crew skirt to show all of my roomies. She is so thoughtful, and I pray that I will be just a loving to my children as she has done to me. I think there is something so unique about receiving a hand written note in the mail.

Notes have more power and impact when they are hand written. Our script is a form of our fingerprints, each uniquely designed to convey our personalities and who we are. 

And not to mention, opening an envelope is like opening a present! Even if you know what is inside, tearing away the bound "sticky stuff"(excuse the loss of words) is such a simple joy! Please tell me who doesn't secretively love that?

It is also crazy to think about how over two decades, technology has literally changed the way we communicate with others. Think about the impact that men, like Steve Jobs, have had on our world. And with people like me, who value time so much and potentially are losing patience, our world is continuing to increase the speed at which we live life.  I understand the benefits and convenience of texting and emailing, however, I encourage you to take the time to write one hand-written note to someone this week. Journal and write to the Lord, write an encouragement letter to your roommate, write a thank you letter to the custodian you always see working... Today I am thankful for hand-written notes.

Rent the Runway

I have the privilege to be a "Sweetheart" for a Men's organization at my university.  There are so many opportunities to encourage in this position, and a little quirk to also is that the sweethearts get to go to all of the social events! That being said it is a little over a week until the formal and I still don't know who my date is, but all of my friends say that he is going to be such a fun date! I'm so excited, but date if you're out there please ask me soon...I can't let the suspense get any bigger!

Until then, I came across an ordeal on what to wear...

I don't quite want to purchase another long dress since I don't believe I will need that many in the future, so I came across this wonderful website that lets you rent designer dresses for so cheap compared to their retail price!(on the condition you mail it back after you use it!).

I looked into the website and they seem trustworthy. A friend of mine previously used the company for a semi-formal dress earlier this year and loved her experience with them. They let you choose from several different dresses, and they even send you two different sizes to choose from so you'll never have to worry about fit!

Ladies and...ladies, I present to you Rent the Runway

To speak kindly...

When asked how this  past week was, I have described it as busy, fun, convicting, and uplifting. Objectively it consisted of three tests, two date parties(although I chose to partake in only one so I could study-that's for you mom!), an intramural softball game, a roomie's bday, and organizational meetings...a bit overwhelming at times, can you tell? Did I mention the normal duties of school too? I guess we can throw that in the mix as well.

Now while these tasks can be accompanied by stress, tiredness, and memorizing, please know it has been ever delightful week due to the words that have been spoken to me.  Whether it was just one of those wonderful conversations I have with a roommate or my discipleship partner, a letter from a camper, the endless little notes my mother sends me, or the simple words of encouragement that I have received... thank you for blessing me with your words.

Looking back, I am humbled by how I often waste so many breathes in speaking meaningless words. If you really think about it, how crazy is it that a combination of a few letters can exude so much emotion from someone. Words like "love", "beautiful", "successful", and "worthy" can build up a person. Everyone is different, but what a concept that is. And when you think about how these words can impact a relationship, I can't help but to think about how impactful speaking/praying to my Father is.

It is also unfathomable how many opportunities we have each day to impact those around us with our words, and how easy it is to do so. Even if it is just a simple "hello" or a little compliment, words can bless someone's day.

Let's keep our eyes open for the endless opportunites we have to speak kindly...

"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

1 Thessalonians 5:10-11

Joyfully His, 

 Lex