Identity in Christ

"Is this shirt I am wearing on trend?" "Will this eye makeup look pretty enough?" "Susie Q. has new shoes, and I need the same ones." "I wish I had a house like they do...."
As women, we have mostly said these things at least once (or twice) before in our lifetime. It can be so easy to worry so much about what is in style, how our hair looks compared to our friends or co-workers. I, myself, have struggled with asking myself a few of the same questions and the like. However, I am reminded that all the "froo froo stuff" doesn't matter in the end. It doesn't matter to God. He cares about what is in your heart.
It can be so very easy to sweat the small stuff in life, worry about weight compared to someone else, or compare what house you live in or the car you drive. Some people may even struggle and compare someone's smile to their own or something similar to different and unique features.
Our identity does not lie in what car we drive or which part of town we live in.
How do we treat others? Are we kind? Are we selfless? Are we selfish? Are we vain? Do we treat one another with agape love? Christ-like love? That's my prayer for myself. To treat others with that awesome, wonderful, contagious Christ-like love that never ends. Let's honor Christ with how we live. Let's live for Him. The one who created us. The one who sent His son to die for us! The biggest source of our identity comes from God!
That is pretty much my blog post for today. Yes, I know. Short and sweet. But it was on my heart.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness ad self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Back on Track

 

Hello again! I hope y'all are having a great week so far.

I know it seems like forever since I posted a "Weight Watchers Wednesday" post. Here's a glimpse into my favorite workout routine.

 Yep, it's Walk Away the Pounds!

I bought this on Amazon a couple of months ago for a whole eight dollars. I'll just say it was well worth it. Leslie Sansone definitely has the gift of encouragement and adds such a fun and energetic spirit to each walk.

I have never been much of a gym going person, so I have been slowly adding to my own "home gym".

 I don't have this book, but it's definitely on my list. It comes with a two-mile walk DVD. Getting fit with faith-what a great way to put it!

 This is another one of my new favorite's. Active Link! It is great. It measures all activity every day.

Yum. Cheddar walnut apple salad is amazing. I'll continue to enjoy it more this summer for sure!

A few months ago, I got a little "off track" with Weight Watchers. However, these tools shown above are the best things to help get you back on the band wagon. Whatever your goals are, I encourage you to keep going. Don't quit!

 

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:1

See You Again

I love this song so much. The first time I heard it was when the "Blown Away" cd came out last May.  I just wanted to share it with y'all. Carrie Underwood performed this song, "See You Again," on the CMA award show recently and it was wonderful. She also sang this song during the concert we went to in November. It may take you back to high school or college graduation, a friend move away, or especially a loved one in heaven, it can mean so much to a number of us! Carrie just may be my #1 favorite singer of all time, and for many reasons. Enjoy this music video!

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2

Just a Lil Happy

Belle says, "Happy Summer!"

 

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Mom's Day

We got to have a Mother's Day lunch with Amy, Tony, Leighann, Ron and Debbie. We all get out of church at different times, so we planned to meet at restaurant at 1:00. In between church and lunch, Russell and I decided to go to Bogle park to just look around at the gorgeous flowers. It was such a surprise to see the Price's and Talbert's at the park! We decided to take some pictures, of course.

 We love sweet Lei Lei. I loved her cute dress and matching jewelry. Can she get any cuter?

 Cousins!

 Amy, Leighann, me, and Debbie

 I love this picture of my best friend and I. We have been best friends for 10 years now. My how the years fly by! Whoa.

 Beautiful flowers at Bogle.

We had lunch at Fred's Hickory Inn and it was SO good!

 

A few days ago, I took pictures of the flowers we planted. Just wanted to share.

 Here is our flower bed. We are still working on it, especially since it SNOWED on May 2nd. Ugh. Thank goodness it's been warmer lately.

 Don't ya just love rose buds?

Geraniums and petunias.

I probably need to repot these soon, but I still love these.

 

Springtime was more like winter with the weather we had this year. Let's see how Summer treats us. Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend!

 

I am the vine; ou are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Kelly's Birthday

Today is my sister, Kelly's birthday! I always love celebrating her birthday. I get way too excited about it, but I can't help it! :)

 So sweet!

 Kelly with Mama and Daddy!

 

Ever since I can remember, I have looked up to my sister. From how she put makeup on, to how she dressed so pretty, all kinds of little things. I specifically remember sitting beside her in church one Sunday, and I tried to sing JUST like her. I loved her beautiful singing voice, and still do. She has always, always been there for me. In my opinion, she is the epitome of what and how a sister should be. I can go on and on. I only hope that I have shown her even half the love and grace that she has shown to me. I love her so much.

Happy Birthday, Kelly! I hope you have a fabulous day!

Love, Mer

A Perfect Girl's Weekend

Yep, I am still trying to slowly but surely catch up on my blogging.

Last month, I went to my sister's for a fun girl's weekend. We had a great time together.

 I stopped by my sister's class. She is such an awesome teacher and I loved meeting her cute students.

 After school, Lauren and I played an oldie but a goodie, MASH! It brought lots of memories back to me. I played that game so much with my friends.

That night, we ate a perfect girl's dinner. What else but pizza? We loved eating at ZaZa, one of the best pizza places in central AR!

We watched the movie, Sixteen Candles after dinner.

 

Saturday morning, we went to Two River Bridge and trail for a walk. The view was so gorgeous!

 Pinnacle Mountain is always wonderful to see.

 Kelly and me

 Marcie is such a fun and sweet dog! She loved walking with us.

 Lauren loved walking Marcie, too.

 Me and Kelly at GiGi's cupcakes.

These cupcakes were oh so good. Who doesn't love cupcakes?

We also stopped by the new children's library in the area. Lauren loved it so much.

 I loved this picture of Lauren.

We shopped a little bit that afternoon, which is definitely mandatory for a perfect girl's weekend.

 I have mentioned several times that my sister is a fabulous cook. Lauren definitely has that talent as well. We made homemade pretzels together!

 Lauren was a pro at twisting the dough.

 YUM!!!

We watched my favorite movie ever ever EVER, Steel Magnolias! Lauren really enjoyed it, I think.

 Sunday, we visited the Museum of Discovery. This was a bed of nails!

 Lauren and Kelly

 The tornado room was one of the most interesting parts of the museum. When you walk in the room, it's just like a basement, then while you are there, it really feels like a tornado. Crazy.

 We also enjoyed being news anchors! :)

It was such fun. We had a ball together and I think we need to have a girl's weekend on a regular basis. I of course, had to travel back home. I am always thankful for a great weekend with a couple of my favorite girls! I love Kelly and Lauren so much!

 

I thanks my God every time I remember you. Phillippians 1:3