An Invitation

So You Wanna Be A Cuter You?

Starting Sunday, May 1, I'll be bringing you a new blog series called 

"31 Days Closer to a Cuter You!"

Topics will include: 

• how not to look old
• finding your best hem lengths
• shoes that flatter
• hair issues
• how to dress YOUR body
• kitchen cuisine for beauty treatments
• my favorite "beauty" products
• and more!

 But wait! That's not all. 

Sandy, The Amazing Adventures of Friday Fitness Girl, is the brain behind the "31 Days Closer..." child!

Check out her post here to find out more about the "31 Days Closer..." series and the other cool chick bloggers who are participating.  

In the meantime, is there a particular issue you deal with along the lines of looking your best? 
What is your biggest challenge in looking like the "you" you would like to see reflected in the mirror?

~ And hey, I know this is all superficial stuff, but sometimes it's fun to have a little girl talk about clothes, shoes, and make-up. 

I know I could use a little "superficial fluff & stuff" now and again. What about you?

A Bitter Sweetness

October, 2009 ~ so glad to be out of the hospital and home

Family ski trip

Andrew flies! (Click to enlarge.)

A summer day at the skate park

One of my favorite pictures

December 2008

Andrew and Teddy

 (excerpt from "A Faith that Endures")

 There are many words I could say today but I'm feeling quiet. Fourteen years ago at 12:58 p.m., Andrew was born to our family. We rejoiced. A few years later as a little boy, he asked Jesus to be His Savior and the Lord of his life. The angels rejoiced! We love him. We miss him. We long to see him. One day we will.
I'm ready.

In the meantime, I'll just keep sharing the message of the Gospel. Remember, "God loves you and He has a plan for your life."
And as you walk out the plan, you are not left to do it on your own; Jesus is praying for you.

As always, thank you for your encouragement and prayers these past many months.

She Speaks

I made a "crazy", out of the blue, surprised myself (and still in a bit of shock) decision a few days ago.

I'm going to the Proverbs 31 Ministries She Speaks Conference in July. 

Will I see you there?

Hermitage Hills & A Wild, Highlighted Hair!

Good Monday Morning!

Just as I suspected I would, I met some wonderful women at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church last week! I was warmly welcomed and enjoyed meeting new "sister-friends." 
More than ever before in my life, I am aware of just how much we need one another. 

The Gardening Themed Table where I sat ~ Lovely!

Life is just better when you have your "sisters" to share it.

I grew up in the middle of two brothers so I never had to share a room, or clothes, or any of my "stuff."
When I went away to college, I got a little taste of "sisterhood." Well, a BIG taste of sisterhood. Some I liked. Some...not so much.

 When we walked through the cancer diagnosis and passing of our boy, Andrew, I depended on my sister-friends. They did not let me down. So anytime I get to meet more of the sisters, it's a good day! 

I got a fabulous surprise when I found out that a friend of 20+ years was driving up to hear me speak in Nashville. Michelle is from the town in Georgia where my husband and I married and eventually moved from to Florida 21 years ago. 

Michelle & Melanie

She sent me as message confirming she was coming and then she asked me if I wanted to play "Beauty Shop." 
Uh...hello. It's my favorite game! 
Michelle is a super talented hairdresser and used to do my hair all those years ago. 

Foiled!

After

 Now I have a little favor to ask of you. Speaking of hair, I had a wild one several days ago. I entered a contest to become an Oakley Women's Product Ambassador. I could enter photos or a video, as well as answer some questions and write an essay on the theme of "Performing Beautifully."
You can help increase my chances of winning by voting for my video submission. There will be 10 winners chosen and 20% of the votes come from FB voting. The remaining 80% is from a judges' panel who views the photo/video and reads the essay.

To vote for me:

1. Go to www.performbeautifully.com.
2. Click on "vote now."
3. Click on "view video entries."
4. My video is in the left column, 2nd place. I'm wearing the red Team Andrew shirt and you'll see my name listed.
5. Click on my video to watch.
6. Click on "vote" and then consider sharing on FB and encourage your FB friends to vote for me!
7. You can vote one time per 24 hour period. 

THANKS!  My FB badge is in my sidebar if you want to "friend" me.

Unshakeable Trust ~ Enduring Faith

 

~ Looking forward to meeting some wonderful women of God at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church this week!

I'll be speaking on "A Faith That Endures." This message is my heartbeat. With everything we faced with the diagnosis of brain cancer in our son, Andrew, and with his passing to Heaven, I have been vulnerable and honest in the expression of my pain and grief. And through all of my searching, my questions, my prayers, and my meditation, I've found I must develop a FAITH THAT ENDURES.

And you know what? 

God has been so faithful, so kind and so loving that I often feel that I must be His favorite daughter! Amazing, isn't it? But that's our God. 

So I'm asking that all of you who have been such a great source of support and encouragement to me would just send up a prayer on my behalf and on the behalf of the women who will hear my message on enduring faith.  My message...Andrew's Message...God's Message ~ 

"I'm talking about the kind of faith in God that is a vehicle by which we arrive at an unshakeable trust that, regardless of the outcome, God is working all things together for my good and for His glory!" ~ from "A Faith that Endures

Oh Snap(shots)!

Weekend in Mayo, FL ~ Weekend Encounter for Women

Pastor Tim & Teresa Hamm and the Dorsey's

Wonderful friends!

3/5 of us ~

Avery & me

I am my children's mother.

Dannie & Melanie

I got a smile!