The Lovely Marietta

Suprise!! Mommy didn't expect me to actually take this photo. She'd be so suprised if she knew it was on my blog. Oh, but she doesn't use her "puter" (as she calls it) much. Isn't she lovely? The handsome young man is our last born (the baby), Terrence. He's a jewel.

This is a gift my dear mother (mommy) gave me a few years ago for my Christmas. The message inside reads "I was never as blessed as the day you were born." Isn't it lovely? So is she.

In PalaceStyle,

Victoria

Looking Back

I've been journaling since 1993. So much has happend during that time. Lot's of laughs and tears.

My new journal is black and leather bound. It's a bit too stuffy. I need something cute, beautiful even. Ooh. Maybe one with pockets, an attached book mark and matching pen.

I was saddened by some of the entries I made back then. Entries about being overweight, and not using my time wisely. The sad part is all these years later I still have those same struggles.

Recently, God has been calling me to retreat with Him but I didn't really "get it" until I read my entry from Febuary 2, 1996. Here's what I wrote: "I was reading over my journal pages from Feb. 1993. I'm in some of the same situations now that I was in then; 1. my weight. 2. the way I spend my time."

I hadn't grown. This broke my heart.

I am saying "no" to all activites and events that will interfere with my retreat with God. There are a few really great things happening soon; a new Beth Moore Bible study at my church, and a Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Pricillia Shrier conference. As much as I would love to participate, I'm not going to. I need to spend time with my (heavenly) Father and He wants to spend time with me.

In PalaceStyle,


Victoria

Project 365

This is a photo of a tree in my backyard. I start Project 365 today, 9 days late as indicated by the date stamp on the photo. Well, better late than never I guess. I hope to take a photo every day. I wont post them here but you can view at Flickr soon.

Smile for Added Value

My lovely niece Ashley.

Something as simple as a smile can add value to the lives of women you meet on the street. Those of you who know me, know that my heart's desire is to encourage women to treat themselves and other women well. We could be on anothers greatest ally. And we would be if we weren't in so much pain, that causes so many issues.

Have you ever smiled at a women who responded by looking away, or completely ignoring you? Try this experiment the next time you are out and about. Smile at the women you see. Notice their responses. Some will smile back and may even start a conversation with you. Sadly, others will either ignore you or look away. Don't worry, It's not you. And it's not them. It's the pain, the issuses that keep them from accepting your well.... smile, and the wonderful feeling your warm, simple gesture brings.

What can we do to help heal are sisters, so that a smile will not intimidate or frighten them, but will allow them to receive your invitation to connect and maybe become great friends? I would love to hear your comments.

In PalaceStyle,

Victoria

Honestly?

Speaking ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves.

Will Durant

Try This At Home

Last Christmas, Terry and I decided to give hope, peace, wisdom and the victory through answered prayer. Each month we prayed for the specific prayer requests of our family. This is the card we are sending out soon to challange them to look, listen and obey as God speaks to them in their circumstance.

Our Testimony

Our Testimony

For many years I have struggled with pride. Thinking I was more important to others than I actually am. In my prayer time I would use words like pompous, arrogant, and entitlement to describe my sin and beg God to deliver me from myself. I never treated others poorly, I just thought I "had it like that", believing that I was better than others.

Oddly enough those feelings of superiority grew from a lack of self worth. As I sit here pondering all of this, the Lord is revealing to me how this belief started. Right now he is showing me flashbacks of what happened and what was said that gave me a too high estimation of myself.

I will go into more detail in a later blog. It's complex and right now to painful to express. I truly believe we should be transparent with one another and share our testimonies, because we overcome the accuser (who causes us to believe lies, among other despicable acts) by the blood of The Lamb and words of our testimony

In PalaceStyle,

Victoria