Springing into Fashion

Well, I've been really enjoying reading some fashion blogs lately. Not that I am any kind of a fashion expert...actually it's the very opposite. I'm always looking for ideas as to what styles work, what don't work, and learn ways to put ensembles of things that I like together to make a nice outfit. I have just recently started using Polyvore, which I really like. If you like, you can check out some ensembles I have already created...HERE.  I also like using my camera to take photos of my favorite pieces. There have been a few different blogs where the blogger has modeled her outfits and that really appeals to me. The only thing is, I currently don't feel real comfortable doing that, as I am a little overweight. I am on a weight-loss program, so I thought that it might motivate me to take some pictures of me now, and eventually I'll be able to share my befores and afters. So, here I am, (in all my plumpness) in a couple spring outfits. All you fashion models have encouraged me greatly, as I hope to soon model my favorite outfits comfortably.

 This outfit is for a little bit cooler morning with my military style jacket from Target for around $25 I've had for a couple of years, the hat is also from Target. The tan stretch jeans are from Goodwill. The Camo bag is from Walmart. Shoes are Sketchers that I have also had for several years.

Here, I changed out my top and purse. The top is a stretch knit in military green, also from Target (about $14). The purse was a Goodwill find, as well.

Under the green shirt, I wore one of my favorite T-shirts, from the "Life is Good" store. They have the cutest printed apparel items and accessories and are best known for their optimistic quotes and designs that include a multitude of hobbies and interests. The necklace is from Forever 21 (for $5).

I really don't like looking at pictures of myself, but that does encourage me to work hard at losing those 30-40 pounds!!

Linking over to:
Fashion Friday (Musings of a Housewife)

The Courage to Overcome Fear

 

My first memory of being full of fear was when I was in kindergarten. Our house was a few blocks from my school, and living in a fairly safe neighborhood, my parents let me walk to and from school each day. This was what all the kids did in my neighborhood, back in the day, so no one ever felt afraid. Then, one afternoon, when I was about halfway home from school, I heard growling and barking from behind me. I turned around to see a large dog running towards me at full speed! I screamed, turned around, and ran as fast as I could all the way home, the dog chasing me all the way. The animal didn't hurt me physically, but emotionally I was scarred for years, petrified of all large dogs. I eventually overcame the fear, but I'll never forget that horrifying experience.

Negative experiences can often cause us to fear things, people, places, or repeating the experience, itself.  Some fears can cause us to run away, hide in our own personal shells, avoid situations, or even have debilitating physical reactions. 

Some fear is good...God even says in Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. But fearfulness that leaves us unable to function or live daily for God, isn't what God desires for our lives.

Fear also protects us in times of danger and helps us to live productive lives. The fear of being burned, when there is a fire prompts you to use the emergency exit. Fear of falling warns you to not step out of the window of a ten-story building. Fear of disease will encourage you to live a healthier lifestyle, maybe quit smoking or begin exercising. Fear of losing those you love may remind you to be more attentive and spend more quality time together. Fear of not being able to pay your bills definitely motivates you to show up to your job every day.

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The Bible offers powerful alternatives to different kinds of fear:

Fear of Evil - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

Fear of Others - The LORD is my light and my salvation ; Whom shall I fear ? The LORD is the defense of my life ; Whom shall I dread ?(Psalm 27:1)

Fear of being alone -  'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'(Isaiah 41:10)

Fear of Humiliation - "Fear not, for you will not be put to shame ; And do not feel humiliated, for you will not be disgraced ; But you will forget the shame of your youth, And the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.(Isaiah 54:4)

Fear of Dying - "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul ; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

Fear of being deserted - "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,"  so that we confidently say, "THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME ?"(Hebrews 13:5-6)

Fear of being harmed - Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?  But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED."(1 Peter 3:13-14)

 

What then is courage? "Courage doesn't mean you don't get afraid. Courage means you don't let fear stop you." To overcome your fears, take strength from these fear-busting Bible verses about courage.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.(Deuteronomy 31:6)

 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."(Joshua 1:9)

 

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.(Psalm 27:14)

 

But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost;(Acts 27:22 - the story of Jesus calming the storm)

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.(Philippians 1:20)

 

In all honesty, with God's help, we are called to be a fearless people! Remember He is all powerful, all knowing, and all present. Can anyone triumph over Him? "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Romans 8:37

 

These are just a few verses about fear and courage...there are many more the Bible talks about. To read more Bible verses on fear, check out the link  here

Read mo re: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2008/09/How-to-Face-Fear-10-Bible-Verses-To-Inspire-Courage.aspx?p=2#ixzz1p9ZKwRRL

The picture above was from a story in Australia of a little girl named Sophia. Watch the video HERE  Do you think this was her first lion encounter? 

Personally, I jumped and shuddered, as I watched this. That lion looked hungry and mad!!! Maybe it just brings back too many memories from my youth!!

Linking over at these great blog-hops:

On Your Heart Tuesday (A Pause in the Path)
Grace Cafe'(Reflections of His Grace)

 Winsome Wednesday (My Daily Walk in His Grace)

JamWithMe Thursday (Faith Barista)

Heartprint Hallelujahs(Heartprints of God)
 Bless and Be Blessed (Bible Love Notes)