MOB Dress Hunt Continues

If you've missed the fun on Facebook  - this is what I'm up to today. 

I tried on the dress loaned to me by a local friend and the one Bre and I purchased. PLEASE NOTE I WILL NOT WEAR BLACK TIGHTS! I didn't have nylons and so just grabbed a pair to try. Honestly, I wanted to try both on with all the garments to see how the general thing would look.....so I grabbed tights...and so many of you are worried I'll wear dark black tights with a pink dress. ::snort:: I don't know much about fashion but that I know. 

Dress 1 

A pretty dress which looked nice on Lisa. Unfortunately,  pale pink doesn't work for me! I threw on this belt only because it's the one I had and I planned to buy  another if I went with this dress.  I seriously cannot believe you all think I'd go to a wedding in a pink dress, brown belt, black tights and red shoes. ::snort:: 

I have tried on so many truly awful dresses this week I decided to be brave and try on the Stuffed Sausage dress.

 Dress 2

This is the dress purchased when BreAnne and I were shopping. I will not show you the red one that is out. WE have decided this is "deep berry" and therefore a shade of pink.  AGAIN I AM NOT PLANNING ON BLACK TIGHTS!  I was hoping the red shoe would work - but it won't.  And I don't really like the black ones I have on. I also have white dress shoes but don't think so either. So nude it is.....

The scarf from the Burka Michael so kindly brought me from Afghanistan - I was hoping it would work.  I like some sort of cover, but have been told not black.  I am guessing I'll go bare if I wear this dress,  as I've been all over looking for a jacket or scarf that would work. If I HAPPEN to see one that's cream or lighter pink I may pick it up. 

I realized I could wear this dress as Bre says it's a shade of pink and it's not as short as I remember. I don't usually wear form fitting - but then I have lost weight so I guess I can. I still lovingly refer to it as my sausage dress, but it fits. 

I posted these on Facebook to say I may wear  Dress 2 on Facebook - and that led to lots of helpful tips, encouraging advice and links to other dresses. 

I did NOT want to spend $250 or $125 for the dresses I had seen that would work...but low and behold. Barb sent me to Chadwicks and I found one and Renee had a link to one that comes in magenta...They were $45 and $60 - Much cheaper. I can take a chance. I ordered both. I sent them to Krsita's and am  hoping one of the three will work..... I ordered based on measurements online and have different sizes for all 3 dresses...and 3 different shades of pink....3 different styles... When I get to OR I'll try Dress 2, 3, and 4 on and we'll decide.... No one but ME will really care about the dress anyway - but it matters to the MOB. (BTW I like the acronym - MOB especially in connection with a dress). 

Dress 3 

 I actually like the one above - because everyone was suggesting more matronly dresses and I think this is matronly with spunk - which I can live with. It's looks more red here than pink - looked more pink on the website so we'll see what it looks like when it turns up.

Dress 4 

This is probably as pale as I can go...and even then I'm not sure. If I need pink and not "deep berry" or "magenta" - I'm set. 

Wow - my friends sure know fashion better than me. I will now look for taupe or tan hose and "nude heels" or "nude flats" - didn't even know they made such a thing - but I've been told they would go with either Dress 2, 3, or 4.

 Now I'll go finish Wedding Candies.

Michael will be so relieved not to discuss MOB dresses tonight. I think we'll have some sparkling cider in the backyard onsen to celebrate.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

They Chose Barabbas

Which of the two do you want me to release? and the said, "Barabbas!" Matthew 27:21

In the history of wrong choices this one is tops.  It takes my breath away.  They chose Barabbas over Jesus. 

Barabbas - a robber, murderer insurrectionist 

Jesus - savior, healer, messiah, suffering servant leader

Barabbas (Strongs 912) son of the father....no name at all really.  Son of someone.....no man...every man....

How? Why? I can't fathom it. 

In a moment of honesty, I realize, there are moments in my life when I choose Barabbas over Jesus. I choose the known, the common, the profane over Jesus.

It takes my breath away.

It breaks my heart.

I determine to choose Jesus - every day in a million ways.

I choose Jesus - more and more - every day.

Choosing Joy!
©2014 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

A Word About My Renewed Musings

Some have noted I've begun "preaching" again on the blog. ::wink::  I had no clue so many noticed when  I quit musing. Life got very busy and I had no time to write.  I felt it more important to live life than write about it; to commune deeply with Jesus in the Word, than to write about it. If something has to go, it will be the writing-not the time spent in the Word. I am IN the Word most days, but simply don't always have time to write. I have a bit more time lately. 

I didn't like the pressure I felt years back to "be profound" and "say something" every day, even if it wasn't REAL or authentic to what Jesus was saying to me at that moment. I didn't like how people began to assume I was writing about THEM when I shared what God was saying to ME. I  didn't like when some began to judge me if I didn't share daily. In other words the pressure to be profound is hard for an extrovert. ::snort:: 

God has been doing a deep work in my heart. I have been doing battle, with Him by my side, dismantling past strongholds. I've felt like Nehemiah, "...I am doing a great work and I cannot come down..." (Neh 6:3). I've been dealing with my history....and honestly....I had to do this alone...letting only one or two into the process. It's been a big, beautiful mess! Michael is a man who has walked through much with the damaged bride he married. I went silent as  my energy  centered on following Jesus into the pain in order to come out the other side FREE and whole.  This discipleship stuff is not for the weak at heart. Not only did I limit my "blog musing," but I also have not taught a Bible study for the past 1.5 years (previously I had taught 21 years without a break), I stepped aside from all leadership roles and I followed where He led. It's been an unexpected journey. I knew I was burned out. I knew I needed to rest. I knew I craved secrecy/solitude. I didn't know I was ready and God ordained it was time to deal deeper with my history.  I wrote a bit about one aspect of this when I wrote about my  battle with food addiction. There is much more I could write - but I'm not going to be that vulnerable here.

As I seem to have begun sharing more again -who knew my 50's would open the floodgate - let's clear a few things up. Musings are my musings. They are NOT polished teachings ready to be presented in a group setting. They are  NOT my way of  saying something to someone without saying something to them (did you follow that?).  They  are not self-promotion. 

I never attempt to finger YOU. What you read is the result of the Holy Spirit fingering ME. 

 I love to teach a quick little method of devotional reading called "SOAP". Scripture, Observed, Applied, Prayed.  You can see how Pastors have done this here. I love to meet with a group of women, read the same passages throughout a week, SOAP and share. It's fascinating how the Holy Spirit illumines different parts to each one of us.  Life Groups are a bit different in that you spend 20 min. silently reading the Word, 20 min journaling and 20 min sharing. This sounds fun too, but I've never been part of a group which uses this format. Have you?

This year I am focusing on the New Testament in my reading.  I usually read the OT once and the NT twice in a year. I will spend extra time lingering and soaking  up the New Testament. I am also doing a PWOC Bible Study, am being mentored and doing some reading with that, am studying for family circle and sometimes just like to sit down and read the Old Testament for fun.

As I read through the Word - I SOAP...and as I have time or feel led to share - I will. I'm very mindful these days of the "secret life" God has called me to cultivate.  BUT when I DO share....know that I am sharing what Holy Spirit lovingly points out I need to hear. We're all human - and often our weaknesses or need of encouragement will be the same. I don't set out to convict YOU, that's the job of Someone much holier than me.

This is a family journal. If I'm in the Word and feel like this may have benefit for family at some point now or 100 years from now - I'll share. If it blesses you, I'm humbled.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

The Search Continues

Only Stacia ventured out with me. Our search for a Mother of the Bride dress continued today.

We went to Lincoln, Marysville and Yuba City. We visited thrift stores, consignment shops, malls and department stores. The bridal stores we visited were closed on Monday. Must be a Yuba City thing.  I also spent an hour online before we left and several more late this evening.

Yes, I am discouraged. BUT I'm encouraged in the fact that if I find something "right" but ugly no one will remember. The only way anyone will remember what I'm wearing is if it is over the top fancy, over the top revealing or Red. ::snort::

By this time I'm ready to wear the first dress Bre and I bought. This dress is gorgeous ON BRE. On me....I feel like a stuffed sausage....and when I sit down it hikes up to alarming heights....and if I bend over...but I won't be bending over....I'll just be waddling down an aisle. ::snort::    Below is the dress I bought with Bre (right), the one I bought when thinking the Bonus Women were wearing "red or pink"  - I was ditching the bow!  I got them out and realized just maybe the first dress - the short one is a shade of pink. Certainly more pink than the red one.....

I texted BreAnne.

Me - "What color would you say the first dress is?"

Bre replied, "Burgundy - a cross between pink and red."

Me - "So, it's a SHADE OF PINK?"

Bre - "Deep pink?"

So now - if I can find spanx and if I don't sit down much....this may work....the more I look - the more I lean this way. But I know it is not a flattering look and if all are in cotton candy pink...well.....I can just call it Berry Pink and be fine...right?  I couldn't find spanx at Target.

We kept shopping. I am now willing to wear matronly, pale...anything....pink and not overly formal are my only qualifications for the dress...oh and it has to fit. I'm finding too small or too large!  (Yes, I did ask if they could order other sizes - most dresses this time of the year are "discontinued"  - you know last year's leftovers and new ones come out in the spring/prom/wedding season - or so I was told several times. ::grin::).

We got home with enough time for me to change, dip strawberries and head to PWOC LIFT (Ladies in Fellowship Together).  I sat with a couple of women who also appear to be newbies to Beale. It was fun to visit...and I discovered one of them lives on the SAME STREET AS ME.  We played "speed friending" and it was the best interaction with a variety of women  I've had since arriving. Kudos to Cynthia and Christie...or Katie or whoever planned the evening.

I was also offered a mother of the bride dress by Lisa. I went home with her, picked up the dress and came home. I tried it on. It's too big.

I'm still looking - online today I think.....and then I'm just going to have to order online and pray the thing fits....I hate to spend the bucks they are asking online and not even know if it will fit until days before the wedding....I like to have a plan.

But again - the main thing is BREANNE AND IZAAK will be married...and no one is going to care if something isn't quite right, someone stumbles or the mother of the bride looks like a sausage....as long as she is in some shade of pink. ::snort::

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Momentous Kisses

First kisses, funny kisses, romantic  kisses, sweet kisses, goodbye kisses....think of the many  kinds of kisses you have given and received.

Early in Matthew 26 we encounter a woman with a jar of costly perfume. She pours it over Jesus' head. Other gospels add details (or maybe tell a second account - still researching), adding in that she also poured it the perfume on his feet while kissing Him. (Matt 26:6-13; Mk 14:3; Lk 7:37; Jn 12:2) In ancient days priests and kings were anointed with a specific fragrance to announce and prepare for their service. She anoints Jesus, her priest and king. That fragrance would have lingered.

A kiss of intimate worship!

Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him. And Jesus said to him, Friend, do what you have come for. Matthew 26:49-50a

A kiss of betrayal.

Two kisses...which  am I offering Jesus today?

Based on a devotional Renee Beyea gave at PWOC - it lingered and now it's captured for our family. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Shopping for a Mother of the Bride Dress

I am shopping for a dress to wear to BreAnne's wedding. 

No, I did not procrastinate.


BreAnne and I went shopping and I bought a dress Bre likes. It looks darling on her. It's a bit too form fitting for me to feel comfortable wearing it walking down an aisle with so many eyes on me. It's beautiful and I'll wear it when I lose 10 lbs.

I found a second dress and Bre liked it too. I have it and it's sweet. I had plenty of time for it to arrive from the UK. It fits great. I plan to have Krista remove the bow. I have shoes to match.

So - WHY am I shopping for a dress 12 days before the wedding?

I misunderstood. I thought ALL the grandmothers and moms would be in red. It turns out they are all wearing pink.  Imagine, if you will, stately, serene music and Michael's Mom walking in, my Mom walking in, maybe Izaak's grandmother, Izaak's Mom - all in shades of pink. I step into the doorway in RED and the music switches to James Brown...."I Feel Good...."  OK it's a fun scenario, but I feel pretty sure it would draw attention to me - and I want the attention on BreAnne and Izaak. ::snort::

The solution is for me to find a dress in some shade of pink...not too formal...the bridesmaids dresses are about the length of the one above....BUT I don't want to look like a teeny bopper either.....Marysville and Yuba City didn't have great options.

After church the girls and I headed to the big town of Roseville. Three u-turns, a surprise trip to Sacramento, zillions of stores later and we're home with two vests for the boys, shoes for Stacia and NO DRESS for me. ::snort:: We DID have fun. Here are some glimpses.

Kohls

I don't think so

 I liked the one in front - but they didn't have my size! You don't want to see the photo of me squeezed into this one. 

My word! 

From the Bohemian spot....thought maybe the pink drape would work - but well - I felt like an aging hippie with a pink drape. 

This tan under-dress thing is all the rage this season evidently. I got desperate enough to try, hoping it wouldn't like like what I thought it would. Stacia settled it, "Mom it looks like your skin!" OK. 

Can you tell how BAD this dress is? That's see through....and the back was totally see through...and 1/2 the front of the skirt was missing. I asked about a 50% discount as at least have the dress was missing. ::snort:: As we walked out I was SHOCKED to see a Mom BUYING this for her teen daughter. WHAT IS SHE THINKING?????

Nordstroms, Kohls, Macy, Pennies, Sears, Bohemian Chic, and numerous boutiques. I'm not sure where to try next. I found one online but what if it doesn't fit????

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

What About The Sheep and Goats (Hospitality)

 I stalled in Matthew 25. I've spent more time pondering, thinking and journaling. 

via google images

What about THE.sheep.and.goats? I wrestled with this Saturday and Sunday and this morning again. I couldn't move on quite yet.  I don't like the picture of Jesus sending some to inherit His kingdom (25:34); others to eternal fire (25:41).

I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited me in; naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me (25:35-35)

....To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me. (25:40) 

I get the big point of Jesus being fully capable of separating the sheep and the goats at the end of time. I get that He WILL do this. I know the main point of this passage is that I don't have to do this - He will. 

But HOSPITALITY screamed at me in this passage. This passage displays the strength, beauty and importance of Biblical Hospitality. 

I thought I had written out my notes on the study of Hospitality I did in the summer of 2011. Evidently, I didn't. I led a workshop at a conference and have spoken to a couple of women's groups - but never blogged it.   Humph...I can't just link. ::snort:: 

I cannot possibly share all my convictions this a.m. but this is what  I wrote in 2011, "look at the CONTEXT of where we find the word in the New Testament. Hospitality is a basic virtue of the Christian life (Rm 12:13). Hospitality is a qualification of church leaders (listed before teaching) and older women (I Tim 3:2, Titus 1:8). Hospitality is a practice we are to cultivate as we prepare for the end times (I Peter 4:9). Answering the question of WHY it's a basic of Christian life, a leadership qualification and preparation for the end times leads to the formation of a Biblical Theology of Hospitality."

The Greek word translated "Hospitality" is Philoxenos (Strongs 5283). It means LOVING STRANGERS...taking care of the needs of STRANGERS.

It's what God did for US. He sought out strangers, met our needs, loved us, invited us into His family and saved us in the process.  I'm convinced Biblical Hospitality is crucial to evangelism - to fulfilling the Great Commission,  to authentic community, and  to discipleship.

We've redefined "hospitality" to mean doughnuts or cookies after a service, a monthly potluck, inviting friends into our home.....what we term hospitality is most often Christian fellowship. We are called to fellowship. But we are also called to meet the needs of STRANGERS. (This is fairly easy when you are new to a location and everyone is a stranger. LOL).

Hospitality may involve inviting others into your home. OR it  may look more like greeting the newcomer at Bible study, showing a new mom where the changing table is at the church, giving food to the beggar at the corner, taking clothes to the girls rescued from sex trafficking, than dinner and games at my house on Friday night or opening my home for a small group. Again - we ARE called to Christian fellowship.

Read the verses again - these believers are being rewarded because they've met the needs of strangers with which they've intersected. That's Biblical Hospitality.  In doing so, they did it for Jesus.

Biblical Hospitality is important. But - important enough to go to hell if you miss it? WHAT!!!!  Stay with me. I've pondered this.

via google images

Jesus won't send one to hell because they didn't practice hospitality or  didn't do the right works. A man is sent to hell because of his heart - did he believe (which involves following and action in the Greek definition)? Those who did not practice hospitality are goats.

Sheep follow their shepherd. Jesus met the needs of strangers. If we believe Jesus, we will  follow Jesus, we will imitate him. We will  begin to meet the needs of strangers.  These men did not follow Jesus into the world.  In this passage, actions simply reveal  their heart; their very nature/species.

We will act and look like Jesus in our circles of influence, not out of compulsion but out of gratitude! Like Isaiah in Isaiah 6, we recognize the great mercy and grace given to us. We see our desperate, sinful condition and we are undone. We mourn our messiness. BUT... God cleanses and purifies our mess.  Out of our deep humility and gratitude, we see the need around us and  the love of Christ compels us to respond.  "Here I am - send me."  I will go. I will be used to meet others in their mess with the love of Jesus. I will live as  a sheep following my Shepherd (John 10).

Yes, there will be a great reward for practicing Biblical Hospitality....and God doesn't label a man a goat and send him hell for not passing out enough blankets...our actions do reveal our hearts.

And BTW I STILL don't like the picture of some being sent to eternal fire - which I am convicted must motivate me to love more courageously in the future.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...