It happened again. The Target clearance rack caught my eye. I just HAD to take a look. And, I'm pretty sure it was meant to be. Because as I was perusing through tops that did not catch my fancy I stumbled upon a dress. The dress. The dress I had bought in November in yellow, went home and tried it on, and took it off as soon as possible because the sheer horror of me in a yellow dress was too much to bear. I loved the style, but the shade did not love me.
But this dress and I knew it was meant to be, as long as it was in black. And it was, and in my size, the only one sitting on the rack.
It's tag was reassurance that our happily ever after would truly come true.
$7!!! I proudly wore it to work paired with some tights, cowboy boots, and my handmade scarf.
It was a good day.
Dress: Target
Tights: Target
Boots: I bought them so long ago (for $10) that I don't remember where!!!
Fossil Watch: gift from mom
Earrings: World Market
I wanted to let you know how the "me in 2012" is coming along. We're 11 days into the new year and by God has strengthen me and challenged me. I feel more confidant in myself than I have in years. Things have happened lately that could have easily made me doubt myself and feel like a lesser person. Instead of beating myself up over things I cannot control, I have chosen to pray. Prayer changes things!
God has reminded me so much these past 11 days that HE made me uniquely, that HE loves me, and that is enough. This has helped me when it comes to being hard on myself and easily comparing myself to others. Every teacher has the day. They come home thinking to themselves that they are a horrible teacher, and ask "what am I doing wrong???". Yesterday was one of those days. I felt inadequate as a teacher, I compared myself to others and felt lost...I felt as though all of my joy had been sucked out of me and it was my own doing. I had to make a choice, and wallowing in self-pity was not an option.
These past 11 days my motto has been to "Choose Joy". There are always going to be those days, things spin out of control, things don't go quite right, someone says something that just makes you want to cry, and we must CHOOSE JOY. When I choose joy I am making a conscious decision to find the blessings in life, acknowledge that not everyday is going to be just peachy, and know that my attitude makes the difference. When I choose joy things roll off of my back, words don't sting, and my heart is full in tough times.
I have to admit that it is so much easier to say "choose joy" than actually do it, but I have HOPE in times of worry, HOPE that my joy will overcome my negativity, and HOPE that God will change me.
I encourage you to Choose Joy!
Your dress and boots are too cute! :) I love that God is showing you this! :) I am going to Choose Joy too!!
ReplyDeletefirst of all you look adorable! I've seen that dress at Target. And I LOVE your scarf and am impressed that you made it! second - I have been working on the choosing joy thing as well. I made a painting that says "Today I will choose joy" and look at it everyday in my bathroom as I get ready! Thanks for the reminder (and the sweet comment the other day). Happy wednesday!
ReplyDeleteamen sister. I have those same "hard-on-myself" thoughts. I used to believe them (and still sometimes do), especially when doing my job (taking people on mission trips), until this past November when I was reading a book on Spiritual Warfare and realized what it really was. Lies.
ReplyDeletei love that dress on you!! and for $7 what a steal!! loving your motto choose joy. what a great one i might have to follow that. did you get my email about the blogger meet-up??
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