Learning So Much

It's been made clear to me this morning that IF this thing is going to succeed, it's going to be ALL the Lord that does it. He's also made it very clear He IS in it with me, so YEAH! Thank God too because I've already had some great opportunities to learn from my mistakes.

Scripture brought to me last night:
Proverbs 19:2
It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

Thanks Lord, I needed that. Could have used it sooner but it probably wouldn't have spoken to me if it had come earlier.

Now is a good time for one about redemption:
Psalm 130:7-8
O, Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all it's sins.

And add a little of this:
Psalm 37:23-24
If the Lord delights in a mans ways he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

I like that one because it says "though he stumble" not "though he MAY stumble". When I read it or try to memorize it it seems the MAY keeps popping up in there. There is no MAY about it, we WILL stumble but we will NOT fall. In the scripture before it talks about "full" redemption. Really Lord? FULL?!?! 'Cause that would be GREAT!

I had a couple of scriptures about advice brought to me the other night that were a God send, here's one of them:
Proverbs 19:20
Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise.

I've been getting a lot of Proverbs lately. Guess Solomon was pretty wise. Your perfect timing too Lord.

Romans 7:24-25
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Looking back over the scriptures I've written in my journal over the last two weeks, God has made himself VERY CLEAR! Now I just have to wait on him. Waiting is not the easiest, I always get tempted to DO something. ;o)

This one melts me heart:
Isaiah 30:18
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him.

I want to be like David, a man after God's own heart. Even though he made mistakes, ones that many people paid for, God still blessed him and fulfilled His promises of great and wonderful things. Wish I could say my mistakes are over but I guess if God can use those too, then great! Dare I say "bring them on"?!?! I don't think I have to ask for them, I think they're coming one way or another. ;o)

Growing Up Fast (P)

My Mind is A'Racin'

Boy, this jewelry business has sure got me going. It's fun, exciting and overwhelming. At first, with reading about the business, I was getting overwhelmed with all the different aspects but I'm finding it to be SO MUCH FUN. Still don't even have my jewelry yet!! ;o) It's been great to have a creative outlet and the fact that I'm adding this to a couple of other things on my plate (plus always the children and the home) has actually forced me to manage my time better. Routine/structure is something I've missed since I got laid off. This is a neat way to bring some in, AND I LOVE THE CREATIVE SIDE OF IT!!! I just got done making labels, and invitations tonight, FUN! My mind is going wild thinking of display possibilities. Still have to remind myself to take it one day at a time and OF COURSE give it all to the Lord. If this is going to be fun and actually go somewhere, it's because of Him....and MAYBE the really cute jewelry. ;o)

Yes, I Jumped Off the Bridge

After a week of debate, research, discussions and prayer I have decided I'm going to take a shot at home party sales. As my mother said..."we've all done it", with a tone of disgust in her voice. Maybe we haven't all done it but I'm sure it's crossed through many of our minds. And for those of us who have tried it, sometimes even multiple times, well, it doesn't bode well for a newbie. I've been to many home parties, candles, cookware, food, purses, jewelry, make-up, home decor, *ahem* sex toys, and the list continues. So have you begun to sense the critical tone in my voice now?

So why am I doing it? Like so many moms with young children, being able to stay home and still make some income has got appeal (not to mention getting out of the house).
What company? Stella & Dot.
What will I be selling? Jewelry. Classy, fun jewelry.

To be honest it all started when I fell in love with a necklace at a wedding. The entire outfit screamed CLASS and the necklace was the exclamation point!
LOVED IT!
Found it.
It was Stella & Dot.

The story goes on, but after viewing the catalog I knew I loved every piece! Ya Right, I'm on a budget now...a shrinking one at that. Then someone suggested if didn't want to have a party, because of money, maybe I should sell it and make some instead (and get some jewelry to boot). hum.... Ya, I know it's the Stylist job (that's my title now ;o) to expand the sales department, but it actually wasn't a bad idea. It's a job. A sales job, which I never dreamed I would do or even WANT to do, but here I am. I'm excited. Not because I think I'm going to rake it in, but if God is in this then I know it will go far and serve the purpose for our family that it might be meant to do. I may not wear a lot of jewelry now but this is the stuff I could see myself in. I'm sure I'm not the only one either.

Oh, of course you WILL have to check out my website if you're reading this. It's at least fun to look even if you're not in love with the idea of spending money (I know the feeling) but please feel free to contact me when you are. ;o)

www.stelladot.com/ktmcconn

The necklace I feel in love with was the Natasha Embroidered Bid, need to check it out.

Dancing With Our Stars (V)

God's Faithfulness

I know I wanted to write about salvation but have forgotten what was running through my mind. I guess that leaves all the more room for God's words instead of mine.

I would love to get a bumper sticker or a T-shirt that said:
"Being Christian doesn't mean I'm good enough to get to Heaven, it means I know I'm NOT good enough to go without some help."

Salvation is not about good Christian principles, morals, values or even beliefs. It's about acknowledging sin, repenting and accepting Christ's invitation for forgiveness through his death on the cross.

Done deal. We can never and will never be able to earn it. It's a gift and anyone can have it. Anyone. Without it, you will literally stand alone on judgement day.

Some might not see this as truth. I guess some day we shall see.

I don't want anyone to miss this party. Just know if you are reading this, I'm praying for you, so you'd better watch out!

Five Stages of Grief

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Definitely at stage 2. Denial happened before my uncles death, thinking that it might not happen especially after he seemed to get a little better. Now I'm angry. Mad that things couldn't have played out differently in his life. Not really blaming anyone in particular, maybe myself for not praying for him more or spending more time with him. In general, taking time for granted. I feel like this is a wake up call. It will take some major work to keep from looking back. Work that the Lord is going to have to help me with. From this point on...

1. Don't make excuses, make time count.
2. Remember what the goal is, souls for God's kingdom.
5. Love because that is what God has called us to do.
6. Speak truth because it needs to be known.
7. Pray because it's all in God's hands.

More strong feelings to write about but I might save those postings until I've worked through them more. If I really am in stage 2, not looking forward to the rest.