The Cross has made You Flawless

I feel like our present society is so conflicted on body issues right now. There's one camp that says, you are what you are and no one has a right to say anything about you, and then there's the people that insist you must have perfect eyebrows and wear false eyelashes everyday. The Beyonce movement has made phrases like "I woke up like this" and "Flawless" an unattainable statue to live up to. Don't get me wrong, I totally have a sequined sweater that says "I woke up like this" and I'm all about glam and getting made up. I'm pretty sure Beyonce started the movement with the mindset that we should embrace our natural self--and yet even she has been accused of photoshopping her Instagram pictures. 

Lately I have been struggling with image issues. I've had a parade of zits on my chin since mid summer that seem to last forever, my skin is always shiny and has uneven color, my eyebrows are not up to today's beauty standards, I am growing out short hair and I haven't had it colored in months, I do not have beautiful long eyelashes, and I have put on 20 pounds since I got married.

I took this picture shortly after I woke up this morning (not even my worst, I still have remnants of yesterday's makeup because I was too tired to wash it off last night). 

I bringing this up today because I feel God has been speaking to me to say something.

There is a song "The Cross has made You Flawless". It stood out to me for the first time about a month ago--the word Flawless. I soon forgot about though, until, this week, when I was struggling with insecurities a ton, and then I heard the song 3 times on different radio stations in the matter of an hour. 

NO ONE IS FLAWLESS ON THERE OWN.

Jesus came, he died on the cross because he loves us.

He washes our hearts clean.

The cross is the ultimate Instagram filter.

The cross is the ultimate foundation/primer/cover up all in one.

My outside body may not be flawless, but I know that I am forgiven and that Jesus loves me.

I will stumble and make mistakes, but because of the cross, I can seek forgiveness and Jesus sees me as flawless, even though I am an incredibly flawed human being. 

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever, believes in him, should not parish, but have everlasting life.

1 John 1:19

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

I will fall again, I will get caught up in self depreciation and comparison, but I know that I have God's unfailing love, and though I may go through seasons of doubt, he never fails.

Look at your heart though God's eyes. Do you have Jesus in your heart? Because that is what is beautiful to him. He doesn't care if you have messed up, and he knows you will mess up again.

He doesn't care if you have zits on your chin or lacking perfect eyebrows.

If you haven't yet, seek Jesus and let the cross make you flawless today.

Happy Saturday :)

Wisdom: Have you prayed about it as much as you have talked about it?

Have you prayed about it as much as you have talked about it?

I've seen this saying so many times, but for some reason this week I have had a revelation about it and it has really hit home. Like knocked me over the head.

In this world of social media, I am bombarded every day comments, pictures, and articles that go against what I believe in and sometimes, not only that, but they go so far as to make accusations, judgments and stereotypes about Christianity and Christians. I sometimes wonder if they were face to face with me if they would really say these things. I understand that Christians have fallen short of the glory of God and made mistakes and caused hurt, but how in this day and age is OK to make stereotypes about an entire population of people?

So many times this week I have been tempted to comment on things that people have posted, or I've complained about it to my husband, but I know that commenting with my 2 cents will not change their mind, and it may just make them hate me. I know this from experience. 

What I do know, is that while I am helpless, God is not.

So, instead of complaining and getting worked up, I have started trying to pray for the person that God will touch their hearts and that God will bless them and they will see the truth. 

Ultimately, it's not even that I want them to change to what I think it "right". I want them to change to have a heart that desires to seek the Lord, and that he would reveal his will to them.

It seems like I should have come to this realization much sooner in my life, but I guess we all learn at different rates. It's not about me and what I think is right or wrong. It's about God. It's about Jesus. I want to shine His light, and draw others to Him. I'm putting out a challenge to those to pray, that instead of getting mad and relying on your own understanding, to pray that God's will be d one.

Happy Thursday!!

Easter Sunday

Hi lovelies! I'm sorry I am soo behind on blogging! Over the next week I'm going to catch up!

I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend. I had 2 Easter brunches this weekend, and I am kicking myself that I didn't take more pictures of my family!! I didn't take any!

These are the only little Easter decorations I have. I got the banner from Target and the bunny and eggs were gifts from my mom :)

I am loving all of the cherry blossoms this spring!!

Easter brunch number one was at my Cousin's home. There were lots of goodies! I made a dump cake from the pioneer woman. I didn't take a picture of it because it wasn't very pretty but it was sure tasty! I made the cherry and pineapple one but instead of white cake mix I used cherry chip cake mix. It is super easy to make, but one tip I have if you make it is to make sure you cover every inch of the cake mix with butter! It only bakes where there's butter and I didn't realize that so I had to add butter and then it baked a little uneven.

We made some crafts that my Aunt discovered on Pinterest. Her sample in the top picture turned out really well.

Mine, well it was more of a Pinterest fail haha ;)

On actual Easter we had a brunch at my parents' house. My mom used her special place mats that she bought in the Caribbean when she got to go on a cruise with my dad.

My mom and my youngest brother cooked. I wish I had taken a picture of the cream cheese stuffed chocolate dipped strawberries my brother made!

My nephew had his very first Easter basket. As you can see he's a busy little boy ;)

My sister-in-law put a very soft, personalized bunny in his basket. So cute!

What I wore: Dress: Old Navy (old) // Cardigan: Old Navy (old) // Rain Booties: ASOS (old, similar) // Bracelet: Charming Charlie

I did manage to get a picture of Joel & I. Unfortunately it was after it started storming! It was raining and thundering so we took a picture under the covered deck.

My mom & I made a quick shopping trip to our favorite shopping area, bridgeport village, Friday after I got done teaching and I got the bracelet at Charming Charlie. It was so cute I couldn't leave without it!

I couldn't go home without snapping a picture of this little cutie :)

I love that we celebrate Jesus' resurrection in the Spring. It's a reminder that we can be made new again through Christ because of his ultimate sacrifice. He gave his life in exchange for ours, so that we may be forgiven our transgressions and be made clean in Christ. New life comes in the spring, and new life comes through Christ at any time.

I hope you all had a Lovely Easter.
Happy Monday!

More Than You Think I Am

It's finally SPRING BREAK!!! Sorry for the lack of posts. I've been busy & sick...and lazy. I sat down with the intent of writing this post a couple of weeks ago and I am just now getting around to writing it out and finishing it.

The whole basis of my blog, is to have an outlet where I can express myself, and maybe even show a different side of myself that others may not recognize in me. I tend to be shy and quiet in new situations or when I feel inferior. I can be socially awkward. I've bee labeled "sweet, cute, quiet". Not necessarily bad qualities, but sometimes it feels like I've been put in a box. That's why I started this blog. For those of you haven't read my original post, the title "Closet Hippo" comes from most people thinking that hippos are just lazy and fat funny looking creatures. I grew up thinking hippos were fairly harmless, and then I saw a documentary when I was a teenager showing that hippos are actually ferocious beasts. I have identified with hippos ever since.

So when the song "More than you Think I am" by Danny Gokey came on the radio, right away I was thinking "Yeah! I'm more than you think I am!" Then I listened to the song more and it hit me: God is more than I think he is. That is what the song is saying. How often do I put God in a box? I get caught up in my circumstances and I shut God out of the equation. I'm too busy trying to prove myself and show that "I'm more". If any being were to deserve to have a chip on their shoulder, it's God--it's Jesus. God is kind and loving, and he's the ferocious protector.



You always think I'm somewhere on a mountain top
But never think behind bars
You'd be amazed the places that I'd go to be with you
Where you are

So forget what you've heard
What you think that you know
There's a lot about me
That's never been told

I'm more than you dreamed
More than you understand
Your days and your times
Were destined for our dance
I catch all your tears
Burn your name on my heart
Be still and trust my plan
I'm more than you think I am
More than you think I am

Rumor has it there's a gavel in my hand
I'm only here to condemn
But let me tell you secrets you would've never known
I think of you as my best friend

So much has been said
Even done in my name
But I'm showing you now
Who I really am

I'm more than you dreamed
More than you understand
Your days and your times
Were destined for our dance
I catch all your tears
Burn your name on my heart
Be still and trust my plan
I'm more than you think I am
More than you think I am

Let me open your eyes to see the heart of me, differently
Come closer than you've ever been
Let me in like never before
Bring me every broken part
The wounds and scars of who you are
And hide in me and you will see

I'm more than you dreamed
More than you understand
Your days and your times
Were destined for our dance
I catch all your tears
Burn your name on my heart
Be still and trust my plan
I'm more than you think I am
I'm more than you think I am
More than you think I am
More than you think I am
I'm more than you think I am

Happy Monday!

Monday Revelation: Let it Go!

At 26, I feel that I pretty much have myself figured out by now, and yet I still make new discoveries. This year at has really come to my attention that I am a bit of a control freak. Recently I had a situation where I made plans for an event for the dance team I coach. At the last minute some of the girls informed me that they had made their own plans. I felt really disrespected and frustrated with them. Instead of letting it go and giving it to God and remembering to honor God in everything I do, I made a deal out of it and in the end a couple of the girls decided not to go. There is more to the story, but I was so upset about what happened and how things were going to work out that I couldn't sleep, I couldn't relax, and I was getting grumpy with my husband, who is an angel, and always the sound of reason in my anxious, control freak life.

I reached out and asked for prayer and for God to help me to LET GO of things and to not worry and let him take control. When I left for the event the next morning I was still feeling uneasy about how the day was going to turn out. I was listening to a Christian radio station (Klove) on my way to meet the team.

In the past year I have started making an effort to listen to Christian radio, only in my car. I usually get really tired of listening to the Christian station because I just don't really enjoy the style of music they play, but the more I have listened, I have come to enjoy some of the music and appreciate the songs I don't really like for their encouraging words. 

The DJ on Klove that morning said that she had been drawn to read the book of Malachi, a book she doesn't usually read, and a verse stood out to her about being thankful and honoring God no matter what and to LET GO. In that moment I knew God was using her to talk to me, because those exact words came to me the night before when I was not honoring God and I was stressing out and getting grumpy. For a long time I have been praying for God to speak to me, and I often feel like I never hear anything from God. I'm sure God talks to me all the time and I'm just not looking and listening for it, but for the first time I truly felt like God was directly speaking to me.

I'm sorry I don't remember what the verse was, and I read through Malachi and it didn't jump out at me. If I find it I will update this post and include the verse!

So today, on this Monday, I encourage you to honor God, no matter your circumstances, and LET IT GO! Give it to God and be thankful.

Happy Monday!

 

Wednesday Wisdom: Pray Without Ceasing

 Just thought I would share something that's on my heart. Sometimes I get so weighed down and frustrated and overwhelmed with life. I get so stressed out that I can't control the outcomes of things no matter how hard I try. I've faced so many setbacks with coaching so far, and teaching has definitely not been easy either. I hurt for my students that have behavior problems, and students who are more than likely going home to broken families, neglect and other things. I hurt for my friends and family who seem to be having a hard time in life. I hurt for the people of the world who face atrocities that I cannot even imagine. So often I feel utterly helpless until God hits me over the head with a hammer: The answer is PRAYER. I wish I could say I am a prayer warrior, but the truth is I am not. I go through spurts. Sometimes I am on fire consistently praying, and I would have to say that most of the time I am a lazy Christian. Lately I have been in a slump. About a week ago I had an issue come up with one of my students that really bothered me and I took care of it, but it still upset me. Prayer was not my first thought, but fortunately, God sent me a reminder. Remember next time when you feel helpless, that you are not. You have the most powerful being on your side. He wants to help.

Pray without Ceasing.

Happy Wednesday!

No Man is an Island

Just thought I would share what I read in my devotional this morning from "Jesus Calling", because it really resonated with me today. 

"Never take for granted My intimate nearness. Marvel at the wonder of My continual Presence with you. Even the most ardent human lover cannot be with you always. Nor can another person know that intimacies of your heart, mind, and spirit. I know everything about you--even the number of hairs on your head. You don't need to work at revealing yourself to Me.

Many people spend a lifetime or a small fortune searching for someone who understands them. Yet I am freely available to all who call upon My Name, who open their hearts to receive Me as Savior. This simple act of faith is the beginning of a lifelong love story. I, the lover of your soul, understand you perfectly and love you eternally."

Throughout my life, and even now as an adult, I have often felt like a misfit. Reading this devotional today, helped me to feel validated. Jesus understands my hurts and frustrations, and he knows why I feel sometimes bitter or angry. Does he want me to dwell on these things or act poorly because of them? I am sure he does not--but he understands me and I don't have to explain myself to him. I have been throwing myself pity parties for years and taking Jesus for granted. He is always there and he wants to be my friend, and yet I'm always searching elsewhere. 

I hope you allow Jesus to validate you today, he understands you, let him be your friend.

Happy Thursday!

Love is Patient, Love is Kind

I have an ugly confession to make. Sometimes I loose my temper and yell at my husband. It's embarrassing to admit. Every time it happens I always feel awful afterward and I don't know why I let myself get so worked up. I am grateful that he never loses is temper back, or says hurtful things to me. He always stays calm and is patient, and forgives me. I feel like God is showing me his love through my husband. Even though I sin and fall short of the Glory of God daily, He never "yell's back at me", He forgives me every time and shows me mercy. I often have a difficult time viewing God in personable ways, but when I think of how my husbands treats me when I am not very nice to him, I know that God is using him to show me His love and mercy. Thank you God for my husband. Please help me to control my temper and not use hurtful or unkind words when I am upset or angry. Please help me to be a better Wife to my husband.

Happy Tuesday!

Wednesday Wisdom

I have a confession to make. Over the last month or so I have been extremely dense. With all of the sad news from Israel and Ukraine and Iraq, I just kept thinking "Oh it's so sad". I have talked about the events with my husband and my parents often. Here's the embarrassing part: A couple of nights ago it hit me like a rock over the head "WHY HAVE YOU NOT BEEN PRAYING ABOUT IT??" Why have I not been praying about it??! I have been so focused on doing fun things this summer that I put praying on the back burner. Even the rocks cry out to Jesus as I have been silent.

Lord, please forgive me for being apathetic and lukewarm.

I pray that you will protect the innocent and bring justice to this earth!

Please give me the wisdom and strength I need to follow your will.

Thank you for the blessings you have bestowed upon me and my loved ones.

In Jesus name, Amen.