“I have no time to get ready in the morning” | Day 12 #frumpstopumps
November 8th, 2011
Psst…the winner of the darling vintage ring of choice is Chelsey Hall! WOOT!
For those who didn’t win, go ahead and take 25% off your order with code: sarahmae2011 (here)
“Dressing nicely requires me to act differently.” -Angie
I get it.
Really, really, I do. Have three little kiddos who need me/want something from me the moment I’m up. It is very hard to get ready for the day when you have little ones.
I know.
I also know that many people would say to just get up earlier in the morning, and that is a very viable idea…if you’re a morning person. Heh. I used to get up early before I had all three kiddos. Coffee worked great then. But now I have a two year old who gets up at least once in the middle of the night and it totally messes with my sleep. So, getting up early consistently is not a spectacular option for me right now (I know many of you can relate).
The thing is, if I don’t choose to “find the time” to get dressed and ready for the day, I waste so much of the opportunities that the day would offer.
“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17, Amplified
How can I be ready at a moments notice for an unexpected God appointment if I’m not ready? How can I be hospitable if I’m in a frump slump (where you feel frumpy because you look frumpy)? How can I teach my children the discipline of getting dressed for the day if I don’t do it myself on a regular basis? What am I teaching my daughters about the importance of looking nice for their daddy, my husband, if I don’t take the time to do it? My life is an on-going story that my children are reading every day. What kind of a story am I?
Getting dressed everyday, being ready for the life before me, is not something that should be an issue of bondage or legalism. Rather, choosing to make the time to get dressed is something that can free so that we are free to give life to the rest of the day, unencumbered by the “frump slump”.
So, how do you make time in the morning with all the pressing needs that little ones have? Here is what I’ve started doing:
- I give the older ones (4 and 6) a task to do, either a job (make your beds, empty the dishwasher, etc.) or set them up at the table to color and listen to a book on tape. I take the two year old into the bathroom with me (she follows me everywhere anyway) and give her a makeup brush and empty powder container and she gets ready with me. She loves putting her makeup on. ;)
- If I do get up early, sometimes I will just force myself to brush my teeth, wash my face, and put some makeup on before I have time to think about it. I go all robotic with myself and just do it.
- Wait until after breakfast and put a DVD on for the babes.
- Choose to get dressed. This is really the biggest thing. When I don’t intentionally choose to do it, I won’t do it. And seriously, it only takes 10-15 minutes, so what is all the fuss about? I think it’s more psychological.
Now I want to hear from you. What is the biggest reason you don’t get dressed in the morning? What stops you?
Today’s Challenge:
- Get dressed.
- Nail down your biggest “get dressed” hurdle and then come up with some ways to leap over that hurdle. How about a motivational scripture on your bathroom mirror? How about partnering up with your kiddos and doing this challenge with them (hey, even the babes are great accountability partners!)? How about going back and remembering why it is that you want to be ready for your day in the first place?
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Photo Credit: Rising to the Sun
Core Lies is now available on Amazon
November 7th, 2011
Core Lies is now available on Amazon for Kindle. It is only $2.99 and all of the profits will go to Navigator staff, Dave and Cathy Bowman, who graciously allowed me to publish the information they taught me.
Core Lies will always be available for free as a PDF.
Click Here to Buy Core Lies on Amazon
(If you’ve read Core Lies, would you consider taking two minutes and leaving a review here? Thank you!)
Meeting a Kindred Spirit…and a Makeover!
November 7th, 2011
Kindred spirits enjoying some chocolate at the Relevant conference
We talked on the phone before the conference and said we would surely make time to have coffee together.
But as the hours and days passed during the conference, we never did get that time together…something always came up (on my end), conference details needed attended to, people needed to share their stories (which I loved hearing every one of them-such a blessing).
Finally, on the last night of the conference, Logan and I got about five minutes to sit down together before the whirlwind took me up again. We ate chocolate. We connected. Not enough time. But then she told me that her flight was cancelled, and I was all, “come to my house!” and she was all, “really?” I would finally get to have that coffee with her…and there would be no rush.
After a crazy morning of trying to leave the hotel, we were finally in a car together heading to my home, and that is when I found out that she was an interior decorator. A “for real” one. We sat in my sparsely decorated living and talked about how to make it comfy, but also artsy. She was full of ideas, and being the spontaneous kindred that we are, we jumped up and went to Target. :)
90 minutes and only $359 later, she had taken this:
and turned it into this:
I know!!!!!
She is amazing. Now you may notice that we are short a few pillows, but I went ahead and ordered them so the room would be complete..
I love my living room now. Everytime I walk by it, I swoon. Seriously.
If any of you are looking for an intuitive interior designer who knows her stuff, I HIGHLY recommend the super talented, beautiful soul, Logan.
Thank you friend! I’m so thankful to have met you! When can you fly in to do the rest of my house?! ;)
Beautiful in Wisdom | Day 11 #frumpstopumps
November 7th, 2011
“For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.” Proverbs 8:11
Wisdom is beautiful, isn’t it?
When you see a woman whom you’ve come to know as wise, no matter what her actual physical appearance, she just seems beautiful. On the flip side, when you meet a beautiful woman who is foolish and undiscriminating, she just doesn’t seem that beautiful anymore; her appearance warps in your eyes. Wisdom does something to the spirit that reflects in the face. And it’s magnetic. Being around a person of discernment is a feast; you are filled and satisfied. I love it.
I want to offer a banquet one day; I want to run after wisdom and heed her call.
I’ll bet you do to.
Today, as you’re getting dressed, see how many of these wisdom characteristics dress your spirit:
Fears the Lord
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…” Proverbs 9:10
Humble
“…with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
Builds Up Her Household
“The wise woman builds her house…” Proverbs 14:1
Receives Wise Counsel
“Wisdom is with those who receive counsel.” Proverbs 13:10
Accepts Discipline
“A wise son accepts his father’s discipline…” Proverbs 13:1
Listens to Reproof
“He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” Proverbs 15:31
Has Riches
“The crown of the wise is their riches.” Proverbs 14:24
Makes Knowledge Acceptable
“The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable.” Proverbs 15:12
Appeases Anger
“The fury of a king is like messengers of death, but a wise man will appease it.” Proverbs 16:14
Tongue Brings Healing
“…the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
Wins Souls
“…he who is wise wins souls.” Proverbs 11:30
Seeks Knowledge
“…the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15
Thinks Before Speaking
“The heart of the wise instructs his mouth…” Proverbs 16:23
Strong
“A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge increases power.” Proverbs 24:5
Holds Back Temper
“The wise man holds it [his temper] back.” Proverbs 29:11
Utters Wisdom
“The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom.” Psalm 37:30
Numbers Their Days
“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
Spreads Knowledge
“The lips of the wise spread knowledge.” Proverbs 15:7
Today’s Challenge:
- Get dressed!
- Evaluate yourself up against the above wisdom traits and see how your life is reflecting them. Take an inventory of where you’re running low, and then seek and pray for wisdom in that area.
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.” Proverbs 11:22
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A “Quiet” Spirit | Day 10 #frumpstopumps
November 3rd, 2011
“Do not let your adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear-but let it be the inner person of the heart with the imperishable quality of gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of the Lord.” 1 Peter 3:3,4
A quiet personality does not trump a gregarious, demonstrative personality in God’s eyes.
I know many sweet, extroverted, “loud” women who have felt like they will never have a “quiet” (“more godly”) spirit. They’ve tried to be more quiet, but they just can’t seem to maintain it. They landed on the fact that they will never change.
And they’d be right, they won’t change. A zebra can’t change his stripes, right?
Our personalities are weaved by the soul creator, and He gives them to us. Of course we can’t change them, and we shouldn’t! If you are a quiet personality, glory be to God! If you are a “loud” personality, glory be to God! You see, that verse in 1 Peter that talks about a woman having a “quiet” spirit is not talking about her personality.
The Greek word used for quiet in this verse means not to just to be quiet, but to be still, tranquil, peaceful…settled, having an inner calmness.
It is talking about our spirits having an inner calmness about them. Our spirits are to be at peace in the Lord.
Now let’s take this whole scripture portion that is 1 Peter 3:3 and 4 and see if we can understand how, as women, we can live it out.
First of all, here is how I understand 1 Peter 3:3 and 4 (after studying the Greek):
Do not put your identity, what makes up your world, in how you do your hair, or what jewelry you have or the clothes put on, but instead let your hidden heart, the real you, be alive with gentleness and a peace-rested spirit, for this is of great worth in God’s eyes.
As a woman, my heart is to rest in God alone. My identity is not and should not be found or nourished in how I look or what I wear. God sees my heart, and it is precious to Him when I am at peace in knowing that I am His forever daughter; my soul is secure with Him for eternity.
I can now, knowing my position as a soul-safe daughter of the One, walk in freedom. My spirit is settled in Him; my personality is good because He carved it. I have a crazy, extroverted, personality. I have a quiet spirit.
How is your spirit, my friend?
Today’s Challenge:
- Get dressed! You can do it…go on now!
- Read 1 Samuel 16:7, proverbs 9:13, and 1 Peter 3:3,4. What is the difference between the woman of folly in proverbs 9:13 and the woman we are called to be in 1 Peter 3:3,4 (If you need to look up some words in the Greek, I recommend using Bible.cc). Let a whole picture emerge for you of what is beautiful to God.
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Motivotionals in this series:
Day 1 – Dressing in Freedom
Day 2 – Prophesying Hope
Day 3 – What Are Your Eyes Focused On?
Day 4 – Can We All Just Take a Moment of Silence for Showers?
Day 5 – An Eager Mindset
Day 6 – When Body is Weary
Day 7 – Is Being Cute “Biblical”?
Day 8 – Remember the Sparkle
Day 9 – Baby it’s cold outside
Would you like to get the motivotionals sent directly to your email? Click here.
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Photo Credit: Braids
I Love This Blogger…and I Love Her eBook!
November 2nd, 2011
My friend Laura has created a new eBook for bloggers…
(Email subscribers - click here to watch – trust me, it’s a good one!)
Trust me, if you blog, this is some of the best $4.99 you’re going to spend. The Blogger Behave website is here (the Table of Contents is here), and you can buy the eBook PDF here or on Amazon here.
If you purchase the eBook TODAY (until midnight EST) I will send you a copy of 31 Days to Clean FOR FREE! You can email me here.
Thank you Laura for such a wonderful resource!!!!
Baby it’s cold outside | Day 9 #frumpstopumps
November 2nd, 2011
“Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow…” Isaiah 1:18
Comfy pants and sweatshirts are a magnet to me on cold days.
What is better than being all cozied up in soft, frumptastic, sweats on a cold day? I bet my husband would love to stay curled up in his comfy clothes and slippers, but nope, that man of mine is up and out of the house into the brrrr… dressed and ready to work.
Ready to work.
The lure of the cozy keeps me sedated from the reality that I do not work well if I’m in sweats…in fact, I’m just that, sedated. Knocked out in comfy. All I want to do is stay burrowed in my frumptastic warmth. And I can just say, there are days for that. Snow days. Big, fluffy snowflake, hot chocolate, and Lassie days. Oh yes. But those days are the exception. The something special to look forward to.
Today, today we work. We care for our domains and the people in our care. We get dressed, and get going.
And we show our babes how to do the same.
Today’s Challenge
- Get dressed!
- Try keeping your clothes right next to your bed on the cold days so you can just shimmy them on real quick before you are tempted to go for the cozies!
Link-up your blog letting others know you’ve joined in the “Get Dressed!” challenge!
Motivotionals in this series:
Day 1 – Dressing in Freedom
Day 2 – Prophesying Hope
Day 3 – What Are Your Eyes Focused On?
Day 4 – Can We All Just Take a Moment of Silence for Showers?
Day 5 – An Eager Mindset
Day 6 – When Body is Weary
Day 7 – Is Being Cute “Biblical”?
Day 8 – Remember the Sparkle
Would you like to get the motivotionals sent directly to your email? Click here.
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Photo Credit: cold days are so romantic
I Reject That I Can Do It All. I Also Reject Pulling the Flowers with the Weeds.
November 1st, 2011
“But you do it all Sarah Mae…”
At this I took a cue from Ann Voskamp (who “rejects fame”) and said, “I reject that I can do it all.”
What a silly myth that is perpetuated among women, that we can “do it all.” No we can’t. I don’t care who looks like they have it all together.
So while I reject this notion that I can do it all, I also reject the notion that I should pull the flowers with the weeds (this is a new revelation for me).
My dear friend and mentor Sally Clarkson encourages me to always maintain integrity with my family, cultivating the gardens of my children’s hearts, being intentional with my husband, and stewarding the gifts God gave me for His kingdom work.
If you tell me I can have a “calling” or I’m “allowed” to flourish in how God made me outside of my family (not in exclusion of them), I would think you just told me I could have an affair on my husband. That is how ingrained it is in me to think I’m wrong or bad for doing anything but mothering, being a wife, and homemaking. I 100% believe that my main ministry and focus is to my family, in fact, that’s why I choose to be a stay-at-home, homeschooling mama (an ideal that I plan to fully continue embracing). However, it hit me in the culmination of the weekend that maybe God did make me the way I am to be used for His glory outside of my ministry to my family.
Honestly, nothing is more important to me than being faithful to my God, and I believe that walking faithfully puts me in the home to serve my family first. If I had to quit everything outside my family I would do it in a heartbeat.
But here’s the thing, I am clay.
I am clay, and my Father potter made me who I am. I didn’t mold myself. I didn’t mold my skill sets or talents. He did.
I haven’t asked for the things that have come my way (the “platform”, the influence, the success of Relevant or 31 Days to Clean, the book deal, etc.). Everything I’ve done has just been a part of who I am. And God’s hand has been it in. I’m starting to think that maybe, just maybe, God is pleased with me when I’m happy using the gifts He gave me…even if they aren’t just in my family.
My friend Tsh shared this quote from Olympic athlete and missionary Eric Liddell during her keynote at Relevant: “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
God made me encouraging, and when I write and promote and give messages of integrity a platform via Relevant, I feel His pleasure.
Or at least, I almost do. I’m getting there.
So here I am, asking God to show me how to walk by faith, because without faith it is impossible to believe God.
Friends, a new journey is unfolding before me, and it is with great faith and trepidation that I say,
Here I go.
{all for you Lord}
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Photo Credit: Flower among weeds
Remember The Sparkle | Day 8 #frumpstopumps
November 1st, 2011
Yours truly with the always elegant Sally Clarkson ;)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
I actually did it.
I wore purple sequins…and I liked it. Jessica, Relevant co-host and fashion connoisseur, totally copied me and bought the SAME shirt to wear on opening night at Relevant. Okay, so maybe she didn’t copy, BUT she did happen to pick the same classy {ahem, non-sequins} red satin shirt from Kohls that I did to wear. What are the odds?! Apparently, quite good. Well, the woman wasn’t budging. It was pretty obvious I was going to be the one getting a new shirt, which was fine, because it meant SHOPPING SPREE! Yea, that’s actually normally not me. But the idea of having my stylin’ dear friend dress me up? Could.Not.Resist.
Until she took me to Forever 21.
Which I’m not trying to be, by the way, forever 21 that is.
Oh but it was FUN! Running around, grabbing clothes to try on, being fussed over. Loved it. Until she put me in the purple sequins. Not gonna lie, I felt a little bit like Michael Jackson. But Jessica, miss Victorian (have you seen her blog? Not at all like the Jessica in real life), told me to go for it. And.I.Did.
Minor deviation in post…
This is the picture of Jessica on her blog:
THIS is Jessica in real life:
Is it just me or…nevermind. Moving on back to the post at hand…
I had so much fun in those sequins at Relevant. It was just a time for me to play dress up and be all princess. I am grateful for Jessica pulling me right out of my comfort zone.
And it was in those sequins that I was reminded of the pretty.
You know what I’m talking about? A time when you felt pretty and extra springy because of the delight from just being super girlie. Maybe for you that was waaaaaaaay back when you were a little girl dressing up as a princess. Or maybe it was prom, or a ball, or whatever it was, you got to get all dolled up and just enjoyed it. You had an excuse.
Or maybe you never had that moment, but you wished you did.
Might I suggest that you find a time that you can go all out, just for the fun of it? Where you can don that puffy dress, the twirly one, or the sequins one. Or maybe just get your hair done extra special or get yourself a new, out-of-the-box for you lipstick color. Do something. Allow your girlie heart to go wild.
And don’t feel guilty.
Remember, we do it all for the glory of God.
Today’s Challenge:
- Get dressed!
- Plan a “sparkle” date. Maybe go out with your husband and just get completely dressed up! Or go over dressed to a conference or party. Buy a new lipstick color or do something to your hair you’ve been wanting to do but have been too afraid to do. Step out of your comfort zone and let your girlie heart soar!
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Link-up your blog letting others know you’ve joined in the “Get Dressed!” challenge!
Motivotionals in this series:
Day 1 – Dressing in Freedom
Day 2 – Prophesying Hope
Day 3 – What Are Your Eyes Focused On?
Day 4 – Can We All Just Take a Moment of Silence for Showers?
Day 5 – An Eager Mindset
Day 6 – When Body is Weary
Day 7 – Is Being Cute “Biblical”?
Would you like to get the motivotionals sent directly to your email? Click here.
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It’s 1:25 am. Have mercy.
October 28th, 2011
Please forgive me for not having the motivotionals up yesterday and today…I really thought I could do them AND host Relevant. Heh. As you can see from the picture, I’m working WAY too hard.
Motivotionals back on Monday!
