A Cord Of Three

 There is truly something about this time of the year.

It is the ending of summer and the new beginnings of fall. We begin to yearn for cooler weather the beauty of the different colors of leaves!

Time spent around fire pits and listening to giggles and chatter. 

While we pull out our sweaters and sweatshirts and say goodbye to swimsuits and shorts.

We prepare for shorter days and longer nights.

I think the past two years have taught us to appreciate things much differently.

How to slow down and enjoy the smell of homemade bread. It has the smell of home... I love when it comes fresh from the oven and you spread butter and strawberry preserves on it. Oh my goodness just the thought makes my mouth water.

It's the way a blanket feels while you're snuggled up reading a book or watching a show, snuggled up on the couch. 

While you're wearing your favorite leggings and oversized shirt, your favorite socks!

The way your home smells of apples and cinnamon. As we see the soft glow of warmers or candles flicker in our homes.

The warm cup of pumpkin spice everything! We count days down to enjoying again.

This time of the year makes me want to slow down and create memories. To take in the sounds and smells all around me.

To take pictures in my mind as we make memories and less on my cell phone,

The past six years have taught me to slow down and rest. To enjoy the sweetest and the smallest joys in this life.

However, the pandemic has made sure that we prioritize the things we love most. To not take for granted the gift of time. Or those who make a difference in our world.

 Something about this time of the year makes me nostalgic.

As my husband and my youngest daughter were spending time together this afternoon. We were discussing how her children will never know the world she grew up in if things continue the way they are now, I couldn't help but feel a little sad. Because in every generation there are always things passed on and left behind.

I feel that we have lost the art of making sure we pass on things that really count. We live in such a virtual world, we almost don't know how to have friendships and relationships past our screens.

However, there has to be an art to this time of our lives as well! Where we embrace the screen and use it to our advantage to grow! Especially in true relationships.

I have been recently studying for the girls club we host and I teach, and we plan to begin Zoom meetings with the girls in hope of teaching the importance of friendship. Teach them also how to continually grow in a life of faith in Jesus. I love that no matter what lesson I am working on or studying. God teaches it to me first. 

my scripture for them was from Ecclesiastes 4:12.

I truly love how the msg version says it!

By yourself, you're unprotected.

With a friend, we can face the worst.

Can you round up a third?

A three-stranded cord isn't easily snapped.

God's Word makes it clear we need friends! He didn't make us be alone. He actually tells us groups of three are stronger.

I know what some of you will argue, He is teaching us that He should be the third strand. Yes, you are very correct, He should always be at the center of all of our friendships. I went on a little further and dug into how he would like for us to grow those strong relationships.

It was by spending time together. Eating together, and sharing our world with one another! These same relationships should be built inside our places of worship as well! We are not meant to set with just my family and with for my church relationships to grow past that,

As a pastor's wife, I can tell you it won't work that way.

Our growth as people, families, communities, and our world. Will continue to become more and more withdrawn if we don't find a way to use our screens for more than YouTube and tic toc.

As I studied to teach the girls how things were certainly different in 1840 even more so today. The pandemic has made it very uncomfortable for getting together in-person tea parties for girls like me.

Not just me though, all of us. We have to find ways to stay connected and make memories, and not put people we love in danger of getting sick.

I can see your eye roll now and your thoughts going to this girl lives into much fear. Nope, not at all, I use the good common sense my Daddy gave me. I chose to vaccinate for those I love. My Mom is immune-compromised, my grandbabies are not old enough to be vaccinated yet, also for those who work on the front lines. Oh yeah, After all, that is someone's child, parent, or spouse. I would not want to risk giving them a germ that would take them away from those who love them. It has been made very clear covid would kill me! Each doctor reminds us at each appointment we have.

So I need to make choices that are safe for me and my family.

The Bible said relationships grew because people went from house to house, and they broke bread with one another!

So how can we do this safely even for people like me who are on lockdown because of a very fragile immune system?

Let's put these things that take up so much of our time to good use. Have a virtual tea party. Fix a meal and ask a friend to do the same and have a dinner date. Cook together, share recipes that you bake at your own homes! Have someone put together a cooking class! If it's safe for you to be in the company of other's go on a picnic, have a movie date chose the movie get your favorite snacks, and facetime your bestie as you watch it together. I know what you all are thinking. You have done lost your mind. I hope not, because the Washington Post shared an article this morning, 1 in 500 people have died of covid. I hope that 2022 offers the hope of being able to get past the spread of this virus. We can come together as we once did. Until that time comes, and we face more and more spread.

Let's embrace the change that is not only in the air but in our world. Teach your kids it's okay to have that facetime with her bestie, play dolls with each other! Find a book they can even read together and inspire their imagination! It's okay to host a group tea party and dress up in your living room by yourself, just as you would have for a group of 10. Remember, the face of the church is also changing during this time! The Bible said they met from house to house! We can still have those same things we have always loved! Maybe just in a much different way than we are used to.

Still, in a powerful way that draws you together and makes us family! Because when we come together in groups we are so much stronger than one and even more so than two, we are the strongest with 3 or more!

There is strength in numbers. How can you create a new tradition or host something fun to help those around you feel safe and included?

I can tell you now that there are more people like me in this world who are like me. Who is not supposed to be out in the world right now? Who would love to feel included in something fun!

If you have a small group, you feel safe coming together with making a rotation of fun things you can host for adults and kids alike! Kids often are not sure what to do with all of these feelings that have come with such a crazy time!

Make a fun autumn bucket list, plan to make some fun fall snacks, maybe share them with a neighbor or a church shut-in!

The days ahead may be ever-changing and sometimes feel very unpredictable!

Still, there is such beauty around and so many memories just waiting to be made!

Let's come together and make this a fall to remember! Come back here and share with me what you did to make memories! Or how you brought a group together and came closer to Jesus and each other!

No matter where this leads us! I hope you have a beautiful cup of tea, talk with our Daddy to increase your faith, Always walk in the footsteps of Grace.

Prayerfully Yours Always,

~Shellie~

 

 

Let's Sparkle Not Stress

Is it just me or does everything in the world around us feel chaotic and out of control?

Things that we never thought we would experience. Have become a part of our new normal. It has made it hard to focus lately!

Does anyone else feel that way?

Stress can creep in absolutely wreak havoc on our lives in a blink of an eye.

It can begin without notice but before we know it. It has crept in and exploded!

It can cause something we would normally love to become something we now dread and hate!

It has a tendency to affect our moods our attitude and not for the better either! 

I have spent quite a bit praying about this. Because honestly, I don't want to live life on the edge. It's not good for our health or our loved ones who often fall victim to the aftermath.

As I prayed about it I was reminded that stress is not a new tool of our enemy! It's actually a pretty old trick he likes to throw our way a lot! He used it in Bible times and well he certainly loves using it today. Prayer is the absolute best way to conquer stress for sure. 

After all, it is never a bad time to talk to our heavenly Daddy! He loves it when we do! 

My favorite book in the Bible is Psalm. If you have read it you absolutely know, it's filled with stressors! Poor David especially talks about them. However, David continually shows us ways to deal with the stress. By giving things to our heavenly Daddy and praising his way through! 

Who wouldn't rather sparkle than stress?  I know I sure would!

Still, there are some other ways we can conquer stress. It can help make life run smoother and more enjoyable! 

I would like to share a few that I have found to be lifesavers for sure!

Make a list of five things you need to accomplish for your day! Make sure you write your top three tasks first! 

Those tasks should be the ones you take on first, so if the last two have to wait for it. It does not cause a meltdown at the end of the day.

Affecting your mood or send you into the all too familiar panic mode! 

If you don't already, this may be a good opportunity to purchase a good planner. Make sure your planner has plenty of writing space.

Here is mine for this year! Jody found it for me at Walmart! It's been great! I use it to write my own thoughts about my morning scripture and my task for the day! 

I am super excited about the one I will be putting together for next year!

Hobby Lobby was having an awesome sale on Happy Planners! I snagged a great deal on a Mickey and Minnie planner. I added a home extension set to it to help out with some things for the home! 

I also added a Minnie extension to it that had a folder of extra stickers and some super cute sticky notes.

I have found this helps me stay focused on what needs my attention on that day! I also was really bad to forget certain things and have two or three really important things overlapping. That is never good...

Another thing I have found that helps especially since I chopped all my hair off. If I can get dressed for the day. Before I leave my room it makes a huge difference. Otherwise, I might as well stay in my p.j's all day! 

If you're like me and your home all the time. Setting an alarm to get up at a certain time helps out
a lot! Otherwise, I may as well kiss the majority of my day gone!

Then I m super frustrated which turns into stress, Which here lately can lead to tears! 

There is no need for that if it can be prevented.

Another stress reliever for me is a meal plan! I become very frustrated when a spontaneous grocery store trip happens. Because it seems what I need is not bought at all and I have a bunch of random stuff I can't even use!

My sweet hubby does our shopping and one thing he dislikes is multiple trips to the grocery store! Bless his heart though he will go even if he would rather not have to!

We recently have cleaned our diets up a lot! Fresh organics often need to be purchased the day of. So sometimes it can not be helped. I have found weekly meal plans help a ton! 

I have found too If I have writing I want to do! The very best thing I can do is turn the sounds off on my phone so that I can focus! 

Some people can write and text watch tv and it does not affect them at all! Me on the other hand that is not the case at all!

As the evening comes maybe diffuse essential oils in your family room to bring about a relaxing environment. Pinterest has a ton of oil combinations to help you find what works best for your family! Just remember not all oils are safe for our fur babies.

One last tip and it happens to be my very favorite! 

Try drinking a relaxing cup of tea in the evenings! There are several options you can try! That has the calming ability to relieve stress and bring sleep!

I will be posting an article on my Faith and Tea Cups Facebook and Instagram account that will give you wonderful information on teas and their benefits. If you haven't already come on by and join us there for more stress tips next week and a fun giveaway!

Well as evening is creeping upon me. It is time to wrap things up here so I can spend some one on one time with my love!

I can not thank you enough for stopping by and spending a part of your day with me! Time is precious and I am honored you chose to share some with me!

As always I hope we all find ourselves walking in footsteps of grace and not stress!

✨Because sparkling is way more fun!✨

Until next time Prayerfully Yours,

~Shellie~

 

When Is The Last Time You Enjoyed Something You Love

 

As quickly as the day begins so does it end....

As I set here looking at my screen putting this blog post together. I am reminded of all the blessings before me. As a wife I truly am extremely blessed. Even during such trying times.I am so thankful for a devoted husband who loves his family even more that one who loves Jesus so.

I have tried to take this time before us and learn all I can! Because who knows when things may become normal again.

Yet there is something that my heart has longed for during this time! Honestly things from time gone by! I miss the days of baking bread from scratch and making homemade butter to go with it.  Making different fruit butters to put up for Christmas gifts, Tea parties spent filled with laughter, family gathered sharing and making memories, and spending time in ministry inside the church building!

How does one who deals with Chronic pain regain the things that bring so much joy. Without paying a high price of your health also without losing who you are inside.

I have been praying about that because the healthy juggle of everyday life and the things our hearts desire. To stay healthy but to enjoy life at the same time.

So I don't have a perfect answer and I can't promise that if your like me that you won't need a long afternoon nap after doing something you love to do. What I have found that if we can live a flexible life that we can put off something that can be done tomorrow if you are having a good day. To enjoy the gifts our Daddy placed inside of you! So put off doing that load of laundry and make homemade bread in its place.

You will thank yourself for doing that something you love. Here is why it will make you feel you have some of that normalcy back! Even if it only for a little while!

Over the weekend I did just that I out off everything except spending time with my family and made homemade ciabatta bread. I meant to take time to take picture so I could post them here! However I did not make the pictures a priority. I made the process of doing something I loved the priority of just doing something I loved!

We often think we can not put something's off because  we feel the things around us must  be perfect.

Well I am here to declare I am over feeling everything needing to be perfect. I declare that it is much more important to allow God to let me use my favorite things as He writes the stories of my life. It's too important to teach my children that as well.

All though they both are grown. It's still important to teach them that it's okay! To enjoy things, the simple things, Things you love to do. 

Time has a way of changing things... Just as seasons change so do we. Our children grow up and no longer need our constant care. Our husband's should always have the best love and care. Lord wants to use in each and every season. I pray that whatever season this should find you in. You will take some time to grow in Him and yourself.

 As our Daddy's Words says He had these things planned long ago.

Thank you for coming by and allowing me to share my heart with you! I pray that something said helps you to do something you love! Your time is so valuable! Thank you for sharing a small part  of your day with me as well! Praying for you always!

Prayerfully Yours ~Shellie~

I am looking forward to what adventures this weekend will bring....

In The Middle Of The Mess

Oh my... Time has truly gotten away from me! I have missed several weeks of blogging. Mainly because I just have not felt well.

As much as I love pouring my heart out. Often doing the simplest of tasks wear me out and make me feel extremely drained. Then the enemy likes to sneak in and make me feel guilty for not pushing through and taking care of me.

However I am learning my Daddy wants me to take care of me! I am not of any good use to Him drained and unable focus. Sometimes it's during these down times when I have the most growth and healing through Him! Because I am able to focus on just Him and not my to do list! I am learning that my to do list can often take me  away from what He has for me! Like talking to a friend who needs encouragement rather than mopping. Spending extra time in His Word rather than cleaning the house! My list could go on forever. I don't feel it needs to though! You get the point. I am so happy that I have learned that my home doesn't have to be spotless for someone to feel welcome! It's okay not to put my makeup on because I am going somewhere, my hubby thinks I am beautiful with or without! After all Daddy may use me to help someone else have the courage to do the same! I am not created perfect. Perfectionism is a joy killer. It gives us the false impression that if I don't seem like I have it all together. Nope is going to want to come around or appreciate me. However I must say that I respect the woman who is real and has crumbs on her counter from lunch probably more than the woman with an immaculate home! Especially if you have lil people! 

The reason why is because it proves to me she is more worried about spending time with her guest than worrying about the perfection of her home!

God wants us to know it's okay not to have it all together. He loves us even when we are a hot mess and well put together queen.

I played on the floor with my grandbaby last night with a basin of water and bath toys. we stripped down into his diaper. He had a blast right there on a towel on my floor making a wet splashy mess. It hit me why I didn't do those simple things with my own girls? I wish I had! I wish I had allowed them to splash water all over my floor! However I can remember messes that spilled into every room playing Barbies, house with dolls, restaurant and doctor for hours and sometimes days at a time.

Those are some of my favorite memories with my girls! Even in this time of separation as we try to go forward to find our way back to visiting in person. It's okay not to have it all together. We can still minister to one another in friendship even if we do not have it all together! I am sure glad my Daddy loves me even when I don't have it all together.

It's okay to take a step back and take care of me! After all I am not no good for myself or any other if I don't give my best yes or no !

Before leaving you this afternoon I want to share some very exciting news! My oldest daughter had her gender reveal on Saturday! We are so very excited to announce we are expecting a little boy this November!

We could not be more excited ! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing a part of your day with me today! 

Prayerfully Yours ~Shellie~

Letting God Change Our Hearts

Oh wow what a ride the past two weeks have been!

Lupus has been having a ball messing with

one thing after another.

I am overwhelmed with thankfulness this morning.

All though I still don’t feel well!

The outpouring of prayer for me this week

for an important test.

Touched my heart and I know

my Daddy heard each one because

both came back negative.

As I type this blog this morning

I am prepping for a kidney ultrasound.

I am not worried about the outcome

because my Daddy has already got it.

Oftentimes we get so caught up in the

what if and we don’t exercise our faith.

I know that situations can be scary.

Corona is a good example of that.

As I was praying this morning when

I woke up for the morning.

I was telling my Daddy all about how

I just needed a time of rest.

I needed a break from feeling so bad.

I have slept more these past two weeks than

I have in a long while. 

Don’t take me wrong

I like to sleep just not all day

and all night too lol. 

I wasn’t expecting the answer

He gave me though!

We often learn more in times of

pain and times of silence!

He has definitely shown me so many

things over the past few weeks.

I would really like to share some of it with you!

Cause I have learned if what I have gone through

can help one person it is all worth it!

Slowing down is a must,

even as our world opens back up.

We all need to remember the importance of

spending time with our family,

the ones inside our walls.

I say that because our kids get

older we get so busy trying to make sure

we have checked everything off our list.

That we forget how important the ones we

spend our everyday life are to us!

They are gifts to be treasured.

Especially remember this if you have older kids

who do not need our attention or help to do things.

We can get so caught up we

neglect them for everything else.

Leaving them to feel as if their

importance has vanished.

At the same time if you have littles

carve time out of your day to

spend time playing with them.

I know that sounds like a lot to ask for

but when you look back

when they are grown you

will thank yourself you did.

Especially when they set around

talking about childhood memories.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also,

and he praises her: Proverbs 31:28

I think it is safe to say Mommas we all want to hear

our kids say what Proverbs 31:28 says.

We all are called to ministry in some fashion or form.

You don’t have to be a pastor’s wife or

Children's ministry Administrator

to say you are in a ministry.

Because of being a pastor’s wife

I often wear many hats.

Depending on the moment.

The Ministry has looked so different through

the stay at home order.

We haven't been meeting inside the church walls.

We have been having virtual church.

Virtual children’s ministry as well.

We didn’t stop pouring into each other just

because we can’t meet physically.

However this stay at home order

has changed the way

I will minister moving forward.

I have learned a simple text

can brighten someone's day.

Even a short phone call.

These things are things

I want to continue moving forward

because they are important.

Ministry isn’t always

preaching and teaching.

It's listening to the spirit when laying someone

on your heart and praying for that person.

He laid on your heart.

You don’t have to always know the problem!

Our Daddy already knows the answer to that!

Guys the church is as strong as

the people who make it!

The closer the family the

stronger the church.

Daddy has shown me in the

weeks of being sick.

I can not do anything but rest and sleep.

This time is not in vain!

Because I spend more time

praying for others during this time!

Goodness as much as

I really don’t like these periods

when lupus is working over time!

It's worth it if it means it may

change or help someone else.

Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer,

you will receive, if you have faith.”

Oh my this one crawled up in the bed and

preached its own sermon to me!

Selfcare! It's so important to take care of me!

For you take care of you!

That entails something different

for all of us.

For me though it is different everyday.

It's okay if

I need to take a nap rather than

answer a phone call.

I need to remind myself daily that my worth

is not found on a scale. I

it is found in what God says about me!

I am fearfully and wonderfully made in

the image of my Daddy! He says I am beautiful!

I have really had a hard time lately

with my weight gain.

I need to lose weight. However

I take prednisone daily!

So it’s like no matter how

hard I try it feels like.

I am hitting my head up

against the wall.

My worth is not found in the size of

my clothes either!

I have however found if on

the days that I feel horrible

and I know that I am gonna sleep a lot.

It only makes sense to wear

my pajamas all day.

On days that I feel okay for me.

I find I feel better if I put light makeup on 

and get dressed. I won’t lie.

I feel prettiest when

I am wearing a dress or a skirt.

Now my husband prefers me in pants.

Yet after I told him how for me

I feel prettiest in

a dress or skirt because,

I just find something so feminine about a dress.

He now loves it when I wear a dress or skirt.

If you are like me and struggle with these things.

Please find what makes you feel pretty and do it.

I teach our girls downstairs to

love the body they are in!

God created that body in His image and when

I say I hate or don’t like it.

I am telling God He’s ugly.

I make a point to tell them they are

beautiful no matter how small or big we are.

God wanted us to be exactly how turned out.

Beauty is not found in our size.

It’s also not found on the outward appearance.

It’s also based on our inward appearance.

A sweet disposition goes much further

than a better than you air of disposition.

We need to have a Christ like attitude and

He should shine through

us no matter what we are doing.

Trust me you can be one of the

prettiest women on the planet

and have a nasty attitude.

That can make you the ugliest person.

You can be the plainest girl in the room

and you have a sweet disposition.

She can outshine anyone in the room.

We also don’t have A,B, & C showing to

make yourself attractive.

All we need to remember each

and everyday is what 

Psalm 139:14 says….

I praise you because I am fearfully and 

wonderfully made;    

your works are wonderful,I know that full well. 

 One  more thing, tell yourself you are beautiful.

Because what we tell ourselves we believe!

 He has shown me that all though

I miss everyone like crazy.

I really missed seeing my

Mom on Mother’s day!

That saying no to protect myself is okay. 

I have to be intune with this insane body of mine.

When it is already off kilter. I need to be more

protective, especially now.

I have lupus, for whatever reason ,

God has not chosen to take it from me.

So I have to trust His plan for it.

After all the Bible has taught me;

Romans 10:17 

So faith comes from hearing,

and hearing through the word of Christ.

I have complete faith that He has a plan!

Lastly as I reflected …

 I am gonna do the things I love more!

I love the 1800’s!

I love the process of their cooking skills then!

I love the way they dressed and how they made

What they had most of it by hand and what they

had they were satisfied with. 

When we lived in the mountains 

I sewed lots of doll dresses

in that time period.

Baked and made more

desserts from scratch.

I had a tea party once a week with a friend.

I read more and I loved

making homemade butter!

I have already begun doing

some of these things again. 

I want to get back to doing

all of them again.

That version of me was content

and happy with herself.

This version of me wants her and who

Jesus has created her to be.

I also want to do some other things

God has laid on my heart as well.

I know that I am not who I once was.

I am a better version of me because

I am depending on Jesus even more.

But because I was afraid if I allowed myself

to be that girl no one would like me.

I have learned so much about loving myself

and being thankful for me!

The Bible has taught me it’s okay to look out for me!

Even if I have to say no sometimes.

It teaches me that here!

I love God's Word

Philippians 2:2, ESV:

"complete my joy by being of the same mind,

having the same love,

being in full accord and of one mind."

You know as things begin to change again.

I know for sure we will have another new normal! 

I hope you cling to the things you have come to love!

Let go of the things God has told you to let go of. 

  All though quarantine will not completely

end for me.

In some ways I live a life of quarantine. 

To keep me healthy I will have to be

extra extra careful.

I will miss the extra time with my hubby!

He’s not always in the same room where

I am but he is here.

I love that feeling of him being home. 

I know a lot of people have hated this time.

I would almost bet if I was a betting woman.

That we all will look back on this time

and miss something from it.

I know this was a longer post.

I really just wanted to share my heart.

If you have time please lift me up in prayer!

My lupus has decided to act up and do weird stuff.

Even more so, I has a bad asthma attack this morning.

I have a horrible wheeze. I have lost my voice.

The last time this happened

I had a 4 day hospital stay.

I don’t want to repeat that or

another round of steroids if possible!

Also remember to tell yourself

you're beautiful and love who

you have been created to be!

As always, thank you for taking time to stop by

and share a part of your day with me!

Prayerfully Yours ~Shellie~