Soul Restoration

I found Brave Girls Club on the Internet! I've never felt more alive, encouraged, and full in my whole life. Last Tuesday, Soul Restoration started. I can't really describe it...all I know is that I see myself changing! My goal for Soul Restoration is to share everything I make for the next 8 weeks. I made this goal because I tend to live very safe because of fear and rejection...there are very few people that ever see my art...and I know that my art is a part of my soul...it is created from my heart and is an expression of ME! So...here it is!




I hope that you will let your light shine before men so that they may also see your good works and praise your Father up in Heaven.

In Him-
Lara

Laughter

So...I'm going to come out of hiding! It's confession time. I'm a bit of a perfectionist! So, when it is late and I haven't found my verse and I forgot to take a picture of the thing I am thankful for...I can't post! I know! I know! At least I can be honest with you! ;)

I read this in my hiding:

The cave is where God does some of his best work in molding and shaping human lives. Sometimes, when all the props and crutches in your life get stripped away and you find you have only God, you discover that God is enough. Sometimes, when your worst fears of inadequacy are confirmed and you discover that you really are out of your league, you experience the liberation of realizing that it is okay to be inadequate and that God wants his power to flow through your weakness.

I don't know where you are in this life...your struggles...your joys...your stress...your cave dwelling experiences...BUT I do know...God is right there with you. If your weakness is perfectionism...realize that you are only human! You may have to tell yourself this several times...I think I'm on one million fifty-five thousand one-hundred three. See...it's a terrible thing!

Today, I am thankful for laughter! I don't do it enough!

I hope that God brings something to you today that makes you laugh!

In Him-
Lara

Took a little vacation!

Went to see my best friend from college for a long weekend! BUT...I still captured my favorite things to be thankful for while I was gone! Let me get you all caught up...

10 Reasons to get away for the weekend to Springfield:

1. The view! I love to sit out on her back deck for hours on her porch swing. This weekend it was a little cold...but I still went out for just a bit of time!

2. The charm of her accommodations! The bathroom has little trays with samples to use...her coffee goodies are served on a tray...everything about her is so comfortable and welcoming!

3. New shops! I always get introduced to a new little shop! This one was called "Bag Lady Boutique"! It has super cute stuff!

4. Nail Day...in the comfort of Salon Little Princess! The girls had a blast! Kristie bought the girls fake press-on nails. Cass and Kate LOVED it!

5. The new "U and Me" lotion line! We spent the day making lotion! Cass came up with the name and logo! My girl...forever creative! Wonder where that comes from?

6. The new bowling alley that Santa brought for Christmas! The girls had a great time bowling while the moms and Yvette did a little catching up!

7. Playtime! There was dancing, scooting, coloring, organizing, singing, puzzles, reading and so much more!

8. A true friend always knows her place in the world! Kristie realizing this for the .....th time! lol

9. Little guy! He generally steals the show! Mr. Andrew is getting so big! His loves and cuddles were worth the trip for sure!

10. Friendship, love, laughing, and the invitation to be yourself!

I am so thankful for my friend Kristie! Her family and love are a treasure for my heart! It was a wonderful weekend!

One of the things I value about Kristie is the openness we share. We have seen each other through a lot in the past 20 years. Each time I walk through pain in my life, Kristie encourages me to keep walking...to continue on my journey...that something is waiting on the other side of the mess...AND...she listens...this is a great gift to have from a friend! So often people want to fix things. Kristie realizes that is not her job...but her listening ear has been a true gift for me over the years! We talked about the qualities of friendship over the weekend. I have come to realize that very few people ever have a friendship like ours. It truly IS a gift from God.

God brought me this verse:
Psalm 34:19-20:
"A righteous man may have troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones."

I love this. I've seen my share of troubles in the past 11 years. However, as I reflect on the years...I am very aware that it is true...God has protected my bones. He has given me new life in the midst of some pain. He has grown friendships and allowed new ones to come at just the right time to help me heal...to make me laugh...to ensure that this life is full! This is a gift I treasure!

In Him-
Lara

SNOW DAY #2! Miss Abbey

Abbey the wonder dog! She is AMAZING! Today she took her ball downstairs and played and played! I stood and watched her for about 10 minutes and found absolute delight in her! My favorite picture is the first one...the picture doesn't reveal the snowball that she was! ;) She was covered from head to toe with snow!

I am sure that her coming into our lives last May was not an accident! She has been an absolute blessing! There is nothing like coming home and being loved and missed after a long day! She makes me smile every day and reminds me that life is supposed to be FULL of joy!

John 10:10
Jesus reminds us that...He has come to give us life, abundantly! "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This is the abundant life! Today, as I watched Abbey running and playing like all dogs love to do...I was reminded that Jesus came to bring this joy to my life as well! I just need to be open to it each day! This is an exciting promise!

Today, I am thankful for the reminder of the abundant life...and the gift of Abbey that makes me laugh and love more deeply each day!

In Him-
Lara

SNOW DAY! January 10, 2011

I LOVE the first snow day of the school year! Everyone gets to sleep in extra late, do a little reading in bed before breakfast, special cinnamon rolls are served, and there is always lots of fun playing in the snow! It's a great day!

The first glace outside reminds me that Jesus makes all things new! He, alone, washes us white as snow. David sings about this in Psalm 51:7, "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." I love this reminder of my gracious and forgiving God! The first snow always reminds me of how much Jesus loves me!

In Him-
Lara

Do Not Worry

This is my all-time favorite Chap Stick! I know this seems like a silly thing to blog...but I cannot find it anywhere! The last time I found it, I bought 4 Chap Sticks. It usually comes out right before Christmas...but this year, I cannot find it anywhere. So, if anyone reading this knows the story of my Chap Stick...PLEASE help!

The one thing I have learned in the past 10 ears of my life is...God always provides for our needs! He may not send me Chap Stick...but He alone takes care of my heart and my needs.

Jesus taught us in Matthew 6:25-34:

Do Not Worry
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Today I am thankful for another Chap Stick that will last this month...and the reminder that God will take care of my every need!

In Him-
Lara

Creating Joy!

Today I am thankful for a mother who understands my heart and blesses me beyond belief with her generosity and love.

Mom, thank you for the countless hours you put in helping to organize and create a place for me to create. I LOVE it!

Proverbs 31

In Him-
Lara

Birthdays!

I love birthdays! There is so much joy in celebrating a new year! What does God have planned for the $$th year of my life? (Age hidden...to keep my friend ageless)

God says true life begins at our rebirth...John 3:3-21.
v.5-8
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

The best birthday is the day you trust Jesus as your Savior, Everlasting Father, Counselor, Mighty King, Brother, Shepherd, Master, Prince of Peace and Friend. This is the day you enter into eternity...the day your life begins. On this day, you start storing up treasure for eternity.

One of my favorite things to talk about with Lori is what lasts into eternity. When this conversation starts...perspective changes. Try it..."in light of eternity" what does it matter how many hits your son/daughter had in the game? "In light of eternity" what does it matter if the bathroom got cleaned on Saturday if your little girl wanted to snuggle on the couch? See...life is all about perspective. From God's perspective...life begins on our Spiritual Birthday...the day we accept His Son as our Savior...and lasts into eternity.

Let's celebrate! Today, I am thankful for Lori, birthdays, and a Savior who ran after me and saved my soul!

In Him-
Lara

My Students!

This is a picture of my "thank you" notes for my Christmas presents. I have been so blessed the past several years with students that I absolutely adore! Today I am remind of this and am thankful for the lives God has entrusted to me in my classroom.

I want to be a teacher that challenges her students to work for something...to have a sense of pride in the accomplishment of my class. BUT...I also want my students to know how much I love them and care about their success...not just in my classroom, but in life! I've never taught for just my year. I've always taught with the next four years, high school, in mind. I want my students to excel in high school...with a foundation that is strong!

Isaiah 1:17 says, "Learn to do right"...
Proverbs 1:5 says, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance".
Proverbs 3:1-2 says, "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life for many years and bring you prosperity".

These three verses are reminders for me...just as my students are reminders for me. I am learning to listen...to appreciate my students...to be thankful for the blessings God gives me through my classroom. I pray, my students will also take these things to heart and celebrate the abundant life today.

In Him-
Lara

Friends!

Today, I am thankful for 6 awesome women! These women walked through one of the most difficult times of my life with me...and still today...ask how I'm doing, support my walk with Christ, and love me just for who I am...scars and all! Thank you so much for your wonderful friendship and love. I would not be who I am today without any of you!

I've walked this life alone a lot. BUT...in the past 5 years God has shown me true friendship! Thank you for touching my life. Kristie...you are an amazing lady. I love you as if your were my own sister. Laura...I never thought I would receive such an amazing gift as a teacher. You have touched my life more than you will ever know this side of Heaven. Mindy...thank you...for always being there. You don't know how much your listening ear means. Lori...You are a blessing EVERY day. The little things have added up to a million already! Thank you for checking on me EACH day! Debbie...thank you for walking through the worst day of my life...and loving me still. Joyce...I am so thankful that God led me to First. You have encouraged me, prayed for me, and called to check in when I seemed to check out.

Ladies...you have brought hope to me...you are a true definition of friendship!

The wisest man to ever live(besides Jesus of course), said it best in
Proverbs 18:24
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

In Him-
Lara

Joy! Joy! Joy!

Never in all my life did I think being a mother would bring me so much joy! I am so thankful for this little girl! She makes me smile...EVERY DAY!

The BEST part about it all...she knows Jesus...AND loves to tell others about Him!

In Matthew 19, Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." I LOVE that!

In Him-
Lara

Ahhhh! A good fire!

One of my all time favorite things...the winter comes...the temperature drops...the fires begin! There is nothing better than to curl up with a good book, a great cup of coffee, and my little girl by my side!

God is faithful in the little things of life!

In Psalm 19, David writes:
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

This is the warmth a good fire produces in the cold seasons of life! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

In Him-
Lara

Ahhhhh! 2011!

I found this calendar a month ago and fell in love! Isn't this just the cutest way to bring in the New Year?

2010 was a year of battle for me. Too much to type and really, the words would not do it justice. I'm thankful for new beginnings! We serve a mighty God!

I pray that 2011 brings a fresh start full of many blessings!

Isaiah 43:18-19 says it best: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wastland.

Here's to 2011! Today I am thankful for new beginnings!

In Him-
Lara

Guess WOOOOO'S back?

April and the first two weeks of May left me crazy busy with coaching track! I have missed my blog interactions...and all of my free time! This weekend...I started new art projects, AND I eagerly await June for more time in my studio!

So...what has God been teaching me the past few weeks...a lot about trust! We are taking many pay cuts next year...as are most people around the globe! I continue to tell God, "I know you will provide!" He continues to teach me about budgets...I am paying off all debt...the goal is to be able to give at any time to wherever God calls me to serve. I know this is His desire. He is also teaching me about contentment and true joy! As a rich culture, here in the United States, we often take for granted the beauty all around us...the simple day-to-day treasures that God places before us. It is so easy to get wrapped up in the mundane and ordinary life. I want to live an extraordinary life...and...I want to start today!

I have been reminded three different times today to be thankful and joyful for all things. So...as I write tonight, I've decided to blog "40 days of thankfulness".

I hope you will join me on my journey!

Day 1: I'm thankful for God's word!

"Be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

From my heart to yours,
Lara

The first day of spring?

I LOVE snow! I can't wait for the first snow of the year, and I always pray for a white Christmas!

But I tell you, the first day of spring I look forward to seeing glimpses of green and all of the little buds on the trees. This 7-10 inches of snow is crazy!

So, as I sit here pondering the "white stuff", I have been awed by its beauty. Last week was a rough one. We are going through budget cuts, letting go teachers, canceling activities for next year, reassigning curriculum, and a lot of other junk. So, the snow is a reminder that every day is new. Everyday is a fresh start. 24 hours to make a difference, live, laugh, and enjoy this great life God has given us. It is only through Him I get this opportunity! "Wash me and I will be whiter than snow...create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:7,10 This "white stuff" is a beautiful reminder that in Christ I am a new creature...every day...the old has gone and the new has come. 2 Cor 5:17

So, stay warm. Watch some basketball. Build yourself a fire...it may be the last one for the year! Enjoy the blessing and remember today is a new day, a fresh start, and a reminder that through Christ we all are as pure and beautiful as the first snow.

From my heart to yours-
Lara

Oh! My Beanpot!

Wednesday is family night! We love to have dinner together. Tonight...I cooked. I made a roasted turkey breast with new potatoes and carrots. It was delicious! ;)

I'm so thankful for my family. My daughter is such a blessing! She makes me laugh...EVERY day! She loves Jesus...she loves school...she is a great friend...she has a tender heart. I am so blessed. My mother and father are faithful to pray for me...always there to listen to my day...and after 38 years...they still LOVE to have me around...not to mention...they are the BEST grandparents! We are blessed.

"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children" Proverbs 17:6

Today...I celebrate family!

From my heart to yours-
Lara

Brother...Soldier...Hero

I am deeply moved to pray for my brother at this time. He returned home from his tour of duty in Iraq last week. My family and I are overwhelmed with God's goodness...for this was two weeks earlier than we had planned. I feel blessed and I praise God for His protection and grace over my brother. I am full of joy that he has returned to U.S. soil...with all of his limbs...alive!

I have so many thoughts as I sit down to type. But...I guess...most important...I want to thank him. I want to thank all of the soldiers...fighting for my freedom. I know I could not change places with them. (I don't even shoot a cap gun!) Truly...each one has put his/her life on the line for us...EVERY day. I don't really even believe America knows the sacrifice that is being made.

So...today...if you are reading this...say a prayer. For all of the soldiers that are serving our country. Say a prayer for the families left behind...and for the soldiers as they return home...to what should be normal...

Psalm 46 has some great things to say about war...when it is time...
"He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth...Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:9a,10

I am comforted to know that He hears my prayers...and in His time...He answers! I look forward to HOME! Our final resting place without war, without death, and without any evil in this world! Until that time...

From my heart to yours-
Lara

A Night of Creating...and Girlfriends!

Girlfriends!

The ladies would probably kill me if a picture of them appeared on this blog...so they are stuffed in the middle of my supplies for the evening and some of the charms that were created! I'm so blessed with friends and a mother that would come to help me crystal a BIG order...or Bedazzle as one of my girlfriends MUST refer to it! ;)

We had a great evening! The girls helped SO much! We've been looking forward to this night all week. Good food, great conversation, and much laughter! Now...I've just got to put the finishing touches on things and ship them out! ;)

Ah...girlfriends! We work together, we are in a prayer group together, we attend church together, we laugh together, we serve together, and we encourage one another!
Sisters in Christ...AND one day...we will sit at Jesus' feet together.

Acts 2 talks about the first church..."All of the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday they continues to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and they ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:44-47

This IS the life I want. It is one I have shied away from for years...fear of rejection or being hurt...but lately...I've been praying for God to change my heart and open my home to friends, family, and neighbors for Him. I see him answering...and my heart is full of joy!

From my heart to yours-
Lara

10 Years...it just doesn't seem possible!

10 years old!

When I sit back and reflect today...I cannot believe that the BEST ten years of my life have just flown by.

I'm not sure I really lived much before Cassie was born. My life became a whirlwind the year I became pregnant...and was turned up-side-down very quickly after she came! Looking back today...my daughter truly is the reason for so much of my growth the past 10 years.

The first two years of her life...she motivated me to stay alive...to breathe in and out...to make it through death of friends, divorce, and other family struggles. Being a mother is hard enough...but doing it all alone...was never something I would have signed up for!

The next three years...she made me laugh...a lot of the time I wanted to cry. But through those years...I was coming closer to God than I had ever been before. It was a good place to be...and for the first time in my life...I was becoming the woman God had created me to be.

When Cassie entered kindergarten...my dreams of having my own business were born. Cassie once again was the prompt of this...she wanted me to make something for her teacher for Christmas...BUT not just anything...a jumper...with the alphabet appliqued along the bottom. It was beautiful! I've never seen my daughter so proud! This was how Classic Inspirations began!

The last four years have been filled with so many "mommy and Cassie" moments. She is such a delight and brings so much joy to my life! I cannot imagine life without her. God truly gave me the best gift...10 years ago today...in my daughter!

Today, I am reminded of the song..."In my Daughter's Eyes". I am a hero...to one little girl. Many days...I do not deserve this title. BUT...I know she loves me more than I could ever know. When I look in her eyes and I feel her embrace...I get just a tiny glimpse of how our Father loves us. I cannot even grasp this...my mind is too small to comprehend His love for us...but I am grateful!

Celebrate with me today...the love of our Father!

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

"I have not greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
3 John 1:4

Read Ephesian 3:14-21 today. I pray that you will get a glimpse of our Great Heavenly Father today!

From my heart to yours-
Lara

Crazy Love

If you have not read this book...go get a copy! It is a life changer! I am only on Chapter 4...but it is AWESOME! It isn't one of those fast reads...it is one of those slow...ponder the words...reflect on life...kind of books! Those are the best kind in my opinion. I love the ones that make me question my purpose...my life...my values...and leave me wanting more of God!

Sometimes I beat myself up about not waking EVERY morning to read my Bible...I struggle with the morning time and quiet...waking up and not hitting the snooze...for just a few more minutes before the crazy day begins...

Today...I am reflecting on this...

Jesus did NOT command that we have a regular time with him each day...He said,

"love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." Matthew 22:36-38

I LOVE this! It is so freeing...God's grace. I look at this...and I am reminded how much God loves me! He is so good!

From my heart to yours-
Lara