Clothing Dilemmas, Revival, and Piano

 Well, folks, it's vacation time again. You know what that means- packing!! And that also means coming up with a week's worth of outfits. If you're like me, then you want to cry in a corner, because you remember that most of what you will wear is the same as what you wore on last year's trip. And people will think that you are too poor to afford more than those 7 outfits. But wait- could it be that there is hope for us?  That there is a way to make old outfits look new?  

Accessorize. 

Did you hear that?

 Accessorize!

Could adding different accessories really help? YES!

I've been looking at other blogs and they say that belts, scarves, shoes, and purses can change a plain or an I've-already-worn-this-one-thousand-times outfit into something different! And sometimes it's okay to try new combos or ways of wearing things. Try tucking in a shirt, tying a scarf or belt differently, pairing patterns, or putting dressy and casual items together. It's amazing what combinations work!

This last week has been VERY busy! VBS in the morning, calling in the afternoon, then revival at night. We had some incredible preaching, though. The first couple of nights were definitely high-energy.
Yesterday, I was inspired by a very good pianist who came to my church. I'm a pianist, but not a very good one. Note to everyone: If you have hands, you should learn the piano! It's not too hard to play, once you learn the basics. I know some people who have this regret: that they 1) never learned or 2) never practiced.

Well, my brain is giving me a hard time- I can't seem to motivate myself to post regularly! After my trip, I should have TONS of photos and maybe some stories, so stay tuned!

Check out these great modest fashion blogs for more great tips! Modern Modesty, Modest Blog

Random Summer Stuff

Since I haven't posted for a while, I have plenty of things to write about. Such as... this incredible pattern I found on Pinterest!!! I am SO excited about this (can you tell??!). Now, I know that my version certainly isn't perfect, but I think it turned out pretty well. And it's in my favorite pattern/color!!!!!

               

The tutorial can be found here. 

Some of the instructions were difficult to understand, but other than that, it's a great tutorial for beginner sew-ers. This is actually a make-up bag, but since I don't wear make-up, there are plenty of other uses for a bag like this!

Now, on to flowers! I planted different seeds and bulbs in late spring. So far, my bulbs aren't growing and they keep coming to the surface to the soil (this is my first time planting bulbs). But my zinnias, which I grew from seeds, are coming along nicely! 

Gardening really is a great hobby! It can teach patience (I'm busy wishing for them to hurry up and grow, knowing that they'll bloom when they are ready), and it brings us close to nature, which gets us close to our Creator. And, of course, it adds color and beauty to your yard. :)

   Speaking of nature, how about a little nature/photography walk? I don't know about you, but I LOVE walking through the woods with my sister and my camera, snapping pictures as we go, discovering, exploring, etc. etc. Unfortunately, it has been raining a LOT. And we didn't think about bug spray. And there were LOTS of mosquitoes. Yeah. It was bad. Not so much for me- mainly my sister! I can't even tell you how much fun I had on this adventure!!! We explored new areas, climbed under and around, and it was just amazing!

Love the macro function on my camera! Talk about a close-up!

Because of the flooding, some of the dirt paths were covered in water. Even so, we didn't always go on the plank-covered paths if there were non-water-covered dirt trails available.We learned that that wasn't the greatest idea we've ever had... 

Wildflowers and wild flies in their natural habitat. 

The lighting was perfect for this spot! If you could have been there, you would have seen brightness on the left fork, and darkness on the right. 

"But I, I took the road less traveled by, and that has made all the difference...."

-Robert Frost 

(This picture really reminds me of that poem!)

 Finally, I would like to conclude this post with words of warning (and encouragement!). There are many things happening in America- controversial things- where we have to make a decision: right or wrong. If we take a stand for what is right, what the Bible says is right, what God says is right, we are in for a hard time. The world sees us as interferers, narrow-minded, judgmental, and lost in the old-fashioned days. They are partially right- those who choose right are old-fashioned. But a wise man put it like this: If someone was driving down a road, and you knew that the bridge was out on that road, you would warn them. It would be your duty to tell them to go a different way, or else they would be in danger. By telling them this, you aren't judging them. You aren't being intolerant of that road. You are simply doing your part to save someone, to help someone. 

Don't give up on what you know is right. There are plenty of voices speaking out for evil- we need to join the battle and speak out for what is good! Guess what? I've read the back of the Book- we win!