This spring/summer, I did Esther - It's Tough being a Women. It was a sweet time, as I did it with two of my best friends and my "spiritual mother," Diane. We laughed and cried, and learned a lot!
We talked about how we each have our very own destiny! We've been chosen for such a time as this - Esther 4:14, my favorite verse in Esther.
The study basically discusses the dilemma women have between the way they hope people perceive them, but that it may not coincide with what GOD wants to do in their life.
It also answers the question where God happens to be in a time of great trial (which I continue to have my fair share of this year!) It's about providence, and how God can and does work through ordinary things - it may not come out as a miraculous wonder to other people! (It is, but we don't perceive it as such.) I need to remind myself of these things everyday!
Right now, Diane and I are working through Daniel - Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy. It is my favorite study I've ever done. It is complete affirmation for decisions I've made this year, yet really convicting me to go further still, and to deal with things I tend to shy away from.
The first 6 weeks talk about Integrity, and the last 6 weeks is about Eschatology (end time events.)Again, this study is speaking volumes to me. It talks about God being faithful to His Word, even when it is bad news. It is about not committing friendship with this world. She says the primary goal of part 1 is joining Daniel to live in an extravagant, excessive culture without being poisoned by it.
The main thought about integrity I am taking away is becoming and being the same person no matter where we are, no matter who's around. She warns us to not image build, which I REALLY struggle with.
My favorite verse in Daniel is 3:18 - But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
WOW! Even if God doesn't show up in a tangible way, and save the three from the fire, they won't bow down! It's saying God is able, and if he doesn't, I will still worship. It's full of good stuff!! We're only on week 4.
Also, right now in my women's Bible Study, we're doing Believing God. And guess what? I love it, too! It's a lot of homework. but the five main points are:
1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God's word is alive and active in me.
That's good, solid truth if I've ever heard it. You learn those 5 statements like the back of your hand! When I find myself in a situation when one of them especially apply to me, I find myself repeating it over and over.
We're learning about trusting him and having faith in Him in ALL areas of our life. We look at the lives of Abraham, Moses and others in Hebrews 11. She encourages us to make faith an action in our life, and not a noun.
AH! I could talk about these all day. She has so many books and studies available, and I have never been disappointed by any of them. I really hope one of you will check her out if you haven't!
I wish I could retain all the information I learn in the studies. I feel like an idiot, and cannot recall nearly as much as I'd like! But I am so thankful God's Word doesn't return void!
Next, find one of your favorite pillar candles, scented or not. Wal-Mart is my favorite place for candles - they are inexpensive and smell great! Place the candle in the center of your glassware.
Then, either take the kiddos outside for a nature walk, go on a date with your man to a local park, or just pick up a bag of decorative acorns and pine cones (again, Wal-Mart or The Dollar Store usually has a bag in stock.) Also, if you'd like, pick up any other decorative "filler" that draws your attention. Fill in around the candle. CAREFUL! Do not put any flammable items too close to the flame. I have had zero trouble while burning mine, but keep a close eye on them. 
Then, if you're using it as a center piece, you may want to put a place-mat or table runner underneath, just to give some extra oomph. 
This green is great, because you can use it for any season - fall, Christmas, spring and summer. I am also a fan of the bamboo table runners. 
This one would be perfect for a date or girl's night out.
I'd wear this one for a regular day at the office.
I think this would be a great impression for a job interview. Professional, yet elegant. 
Love this look for church! Not sure how short it is? That model is likely to be abnormally tall!
This skirt could be kept out year round - definitely worth your money. I like the above look with the tights, but think you could also wear it with a plain t-shirt and flip-flops in the spring or summer. The little feminine ruffle at the bottom is different from your average jean skirt. 
2. The colors I am really digging this fall are gray, purple and gold. Together or alone, they are great shades for fall. They are not as predictable as the typical yellow, red and orange; although those are great too! If you want to stand out a bit, grab some gray, purple and gold pieces. 
Or do one of my favorite eye tricks - plum eyeliner with a gold shadow. It looks good on everyone! Cover Girl makes a great plum eyeliner that I use often. Or, if you're really artsy and daring, try doing the above look!
4. A great neutral boot. I would suggest little to no heel to avoid slipping when it rains or snows. Also, try to get away from the normal black or chocolate brown, and look for a camel or a gray. They are also neutrals, just something unexpected. As seen on Blake Lively, they can be worn with skirts or pants.
5. Pale skin, dark hair; maybe even with bold lips or nails. Think Anne Hathaway, 
If you highlight your hair, consider putting some low-lights or skipping it all-together for these fall and winter months. You can use the money to update your look in other ways, or just save it! If you go to the tanning bed, please do so modestly. I truly think nothing looks more silly than super tan girls walking around in the middle of winter! (Believer or not, guys DO notice!) Embrace the natural you, and scale back a bit (or just fore go it altogether). Also, there are a lot of new, bold lip colors at any drug store. I have found most for 5 bucks and under. They really scream fall and winter, and are all the latest rave. Have you seen the commericals? Old Hollywood is coming back. If you really don't like darker lips, try a darker nail color. My favorite fall nail polish color is Sally Hansen's, 
My life became better than I ever could have imagined. All the things you think would matter, didn't. All that mattered was God writing our love story. 
I literally felt as though I could burst with the love I had for him! (And still do!)
I love how happy he makes me! I love that we remind each other it isn't always about happiness - it is about holiness. And spurring each other closer to Christ.
