Sunday, October 12, 2014

31 Days {Joy} Psalms 16:11

You make the path of life known to me,
Complete {Joy} is in your presence,
Pleasures are by your side forever.
Psalms 16:11 {GW}

I spent many many years searching for joy in the wrong places.  In guys, in drugs, in the approval of others I did so much to find the joy in life.  Where have you searched for joy?

To have a joy so strong that it can't be changed by circumstances, isn't that what we all want? I have found that the ONLY place to find that kind of joy is to be in the presence of the Lord.   To have deep conversations with him, to worship him with my whole heart. When we make God our priority we find a joy that consumes us! 

In the past 10 years since I came back to Jesus and gave him my whole heart, I have had troubles, I have had times when I wondered why, but what gets me through those times with Joy is knowing that he has promised to make all things good. He makes beauty from ashes.

Friday, October 10, 2014

31 Days {JOY} What is it?

Have you heard of the 31 day Challenge from  {The Nester}? It's where you write a blog post for 31 days about a certain topic.  I thought this was the PERFECT way to get back into the blogging habit. The topic I chose was Joy. So get ready as I go on this journey to learn more about joy. and what it is exactly. 

Joy noun \ˈji\
: a feeling of great happiness
: a source or cause of great happiness 
: something or someone that gives joy to someone

That is according to Mirriam-Webster. I have come to learn that not only is it a feeling of great happiness, it's a happiness that doesn't depend on the circumstances. 

What does joy mean to you? 
More tomorrow

xoxox
Becky 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

We are meant to be {FREE}

As I learned of the passing of Robin Williams, I was devastated.
Not just because he is an acting legend; but because he ended his own life.
Then I became aware of a light in the sadness. People are realizing that depression is serious.
I have struggled with depression for years. I have tried to end my own life, and have a scar.  What ended that for me was my Papa he looked at me with tears in his eyes, and said "don't I love you enough?" I promised then and there that I wouldn't try again, and I haven't. Not that depression is a thing of my past, but that promise has gotten me through many rough times.
For many years I have been afraid to admit to myself or anyone that what I felt was depression/anxiety.  I knew what the world thought of depression, I have seen it myself. I was afraid to be labeled crazy. In reality I only started admitting to this a few years ago.. I have depression, but it does NOT have me.  Once I decided to own my depression, it lost it's power over me. I started sharing more and more about how the Lord has given me the power to be free. 
Shame kept me from getting help. I was embarrassed of what I thought was weakness. I was afraid that people would think that I didn't have enough faith. But NONE of these are true.
YOU ARE STRONG, You ARE BRAVE, YOU HAVE VALUE
Remind yourself of this, and remind others too!
2 Timothy1:7  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Weeds and Cactus What kind of friend are you?

You might think because I live in Arizona, this is a post about all the Cactus I see, and all the weeds that seem to pop up out of nowhere. However while praying for wisdom about some situations in my life… I’m sure the Lord used what I see daily as inspiration.. and I had to share this life lesson with you.
We start with this picture:
 Cactuscollage
Ahhh the cactus…
Durable, strong, BEAUTIFUL flowers, slow growing, LOW maintenance, guarded, protected, able to withstand extreme temperatures, resistant, resilient, steadfast with DEEP roots.
I want to be a cactus.
I have come to the realization that I want to be a friend like a Cactus. I take time to grow, but when I do I bloom the most beautiful fruits and flowers, I can withstand just about anything, and as a friend steadfast. But I need to guard my heart, and remain deeply rooted in my Lord and Savior.  A cactus can take the beatings of life and still stand firm in the truths of the Bible.

Then there is the second picture:
weedcollage
First we see beauty, color, nature, hope, wishes…
but these are weeds.
Weeds are bad.
Weeds sprout up quickly, weeds can choke out your well maintained garden, weeds can suck the life out of you, Weeds have VERY shallow roots,  weeds spread quickly, weeds sometimes come disguised as beautiful flowers; so we allow them to stick around.. and sure enough every time you wish you had pulled it out and not allowed it to flourish and wreak havoc in your garden.
yes weeds are bad. 
Have you ever met someone, and you seem to be meant to be friends with that person.  You just think the world of them. Then it happens, It could be a friend telling you hey that person isn’t a good influence, or even your spouse who says that person is NOT good for your heart or your walk with the Lord. But they are soooo pretty these other people must not see what I see.  They are disrespectful of your family and your values, they lie and manipulate to get things their way… but they read the Bible, but what is the depth of their roots? Y keep forgiving what you know is wrong, even when there is no apology because that is what we as Christ followers are called to do. You don’t bother bringing up what hurts because you know what you will get is hurt more by the excuses, and no accountability, so what’s the point? Then.. the straw that breaks the camels back happens. You realize this person is the dandelion your mom always told you NOT to blow on! Aww man. So you have to remove them from your garden (your life).
I tend to weed people.. I see all the good and potential and want to become good friends now. I don't have the patience to let the friendship grow organically. Fortunately I have my hubby who will remind me to cactus my friends. As I have some beautiful cacti in my life!!
We all have the ability to be either a weed or a cactus… we just need to remember that the friendships without deep roots can never last.
This is what the Bible has to say about weeds:

Matthew 13:24-30

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Hey You! What's New??


Hello my Purdies!
Yes I'm aware, again I have neglected my blog... 
Again I'm so sorry. 

I have had much to say, but for some reason didn't make it here to say it.  
A great Lady started blogging and she inspired me to come back to it! 
So I will make this kinda short for now. 
What is new with me and the family...

*.Hubby is still a Lineman, BUT he has started a wholesale car business. It's been an adventure and we are still in the beginning stages. So far we have learned a lot, and not spent a lot. 
*Drew is now 16, has his driving permit, ran track this spring, and even went to the Az State Championships. His school won boys and girls. So exciting! 
*Ryan is now 14, and is going into High School! He's excited to play football.
*Cheyenne is 14, going into 10th grade and we can't wait to see her this summer
*Amber is Amber... no more broken bones, she's going into the 5th grade, and is growing up too fast! 

as for me:
I am so blessed. I'm super busy with Purdy Things. So much so I had to hire an assistant.  I have retired the crochet hooks, but I have replaced it with my sewing machine. I love to sew, I love to embroider. I have been doing them both since I was young too. I have added new things to the site, I have discovered instagram, and WOW is that amazing. I love all the Christian ladies I have met there!! 

I will be on more, I will be posting more. I have started an IG feed with a few ladies called 
Sew_Pray_Love
Its a feed, that will share God's love with others, uplift others, and have some fun creating things!! 
If you have instagram, please follow both of them! 

See you soon!! 
XOXOX
Becky

 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Meet Nikki from Flora Apothocary {Junk in the Trunk Artisan Feature}


This year Purdy Things is doing something new.. I am going to take part in the Junk in the Trunk Market on November 9th at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona. To say I'm excited is a serious understatement!! You haven't heard of the Junk in the Trunk Market?? Well check them out here

 
I have decided to feature some of the other vendors from this market! 
Meet Nikki  Wangler of Flora Apothocary

This is what she has to say about her line of beauty products: 


Being in the beauty industry for the past 10 years Ive taken notice that most products on the market contain harsh chemicals. Everything I was buying (even at health food stores) contained toxins.These products are not conducive to the healthy lifestyle I live, and I knew w/my experience I could create something that was actually healthy for my skin. After ordering a few natural ingredients and whipping up some body scrubs, FloraApothecary was born. Flora Apothecary is a clean, all natural, vegan, bath product line. There are no harsh chemicals,parabens,sulfates. FloraApothecary products are made with aromatherapy to heal & rejuvenate the body. Everything is handmade in small batches to ensure quality at my studio in AZ. I like to think of myself as an artisan medicine woman. Ive studied effects of natural oils and aromas and how they affect mood and health, and applied that knowledge into crafting handmade bath products. I am one of only a handful of local crafters that has taken their passion for creating to the next level by offering and distributing a handmade, healthy alternatives to everyday bath necessities. Flora Apothecary was inspired by a love of creating and was motivated by friends and  family who fell in love w/the way they felt after using my products. My mission is not only to bring you an artisan body product line that is clean, simple, and  affordable, but to also add an air of luxury to the everyday cleaning ritual. Im not claiming to have invented soap but I do add splendor to the everyday bar.
 
go check out her website: 
 
 
 

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The {End} of Summer Break

The end of summer break, or the beginning of gaining back some of my sanity! 
If you are like me, you had a crazy summer with up and downs... instead of boring you with all the details.. here are some highlights:

  •  Ryan gets admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction.. being treated by a great Dr.
  • Kids go to Camp Dossey aka Grandpas house!! 
  • Tim and I go on a mini vaca to L.A., visit my grandparents, and some family, have dinner on the beach in Malibu, go to a Dodger game at Dodger Stadium {nothing like being at a home game} go to the Museum of Tolerance {Everyone should go at least once in their life} Go to the Fabric district in LA, and of course Magic Mountain!!! 
  • the Boys and Amber go to Church camp {separate weekends}
  • Drew went to football camp
  • Amber gets admitted to the hospital on the first day of school, she has the same thing as Ryan.. but ended up having to have her Gall Bladder Removed {the surgeon said it was adorable just like her though}
  • Tim and I do lots of Golfing... well he golfs I watch and take pictures!! 
  • A couple trips to Payson to go riding on the quads
  • A few craft dates with friends to make some AWESOME things to post tutorials for soon!! 
  • Amber Turned 9  and went to the movies with her BFF and birthday twin!!
  • we got a kitten!!!
So much fun!! here are some pictures!! 
 
This year:
 Drew starts 10th grade... and right now he wants to be a pediatrician!
Ryan started 8th grade and wants to be a Biblical Archeologist 
Amber started 4th grade and wants to have the world... she can't decide between model, nurse, teacher, hairdresser, fashion designer, artist, {we think she will be the next Martha Stewart}
They can all be what they want to be! 

The kids being back in school means one thing for me... back to work!! :) 
I'm so blessed to have a job I love! 

TTFN
Becky