I'm honored that these lovely ladies have generously donated great prizes for my group giveaway this month. Click on the images below to visit their fabulous blogs!! Happy entering!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, July 29
Stripped
All Glorious Within
Stripped
All Glorious Within
Well Hey there Baxtron{Life} Readers.
I can't even begin to tell you how stoked I am that Courtney is giving me the priviledge of sharing my heart with you guys today.
I should probably explain who I am right....
My name is L and I blog at All Glorious Within.
I have a heart for encouraging others in their walk with the Lord,
so my blog is me sharing things I am learning in my relationship with Christ.
I married my wonderful husband in July 2010, so I often include newlywed bumps along the way.
So with that said....I what to share with you guys some thoughts I had on trials and how each of us is Made to Shine for Jesus.
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so my blog is me sharing things I am learning in my relationship with Christ.
I married my wonderful husband in July 2010, so I often include newlywed bumps along the way.
So with that said....I what to share with you guys some thoughts I had on trials and how each of us is Made to Shine for Jesus.
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In the last few months I have been able to help a couple of different friends with their house projects. Two of them have just bought fixer-uppers and are so brave in tackling them with a deadline in mind. These homes needed serious work I tell you.
One of them had no electricity or plumbing and people had broken in and pretty much stolen anything they could from it.
Crazy right.
So as I was helping one friend strip paint in her new hallway, we discovered that under all those layers of old paint which looked pretty awful, there was beautiful dark wood.
So we began heating the paint up and removing it piece by piece from the wood.
And I realised, that's how the imperfections are in each of us.
We all have these layers of imperfections & sin that need removing from our life.
It makes each of us look awful.
But as we allow God to help us remove them and piece by piece get them out of our lives for good.
We begin to see the way we were supposed to be.
We begin to shine from the inside out, as the inside is finally visible.
We begin to shine the way God made us.
We allow Him to shine through us, people around us begin to see Him.
To see beauty.
But it is through His incredible grace that He is helping us become the person we were originally made to be.
Just like that wood, we were made to beautifully reflect the Lord.
But all that paint that gets added on top, sinful patterns, pride, our past.....
It prevents people around us and even ourselves from seeing that beautiful person that was created.
Isn't it funny how you can put those imperfections under heat and they get removed.
Just like in life when trials come our way and we are refined.
The imperfections are painfully removed sometimes.
But they are really worth it when they free us to shine for Him.
Some ponderings for me to remember the next time a painful trial comes my way.
Want to ponder with me?
Much Love,
L
Connect with L:
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / BlogLovin' / Pinterest
Friday, July 27
Strengths & Weaknesses
Special Feature
Strengths & Weaknesses
Special Feature
What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness? Are you like me and have the easiest time coming up with your flaws, but a difficult time acknowledging your strengths? Let me challenge you today to think on the things you do well, your strengths. I'd love to hear what you come up with. I'll share mine in a minute, too.
Every month I get the privilege of partnering with amazing women who continuously impress me! These women share their lives, passions and inspirations in a way that is refreshing, uplifting and vulnerable. This month I asked these lovelies to divulge not only their biggest strength but also their biggest weakness.
Weakness: This is so hard. I'm going to say, though, that it's ONE of my greatest weaknesses ... I tend not to believe in myself enough, or rather, I don't have enough confidence in myself sometimes. I think that's a pretty big weakness because it trickles into so many other facets of my life, affecting them all. It's something that I constantly struggle with and need to continually lean into Jesus to overcome. Strength: My greatest strength... I want to say it's my capacity to love and encourage others . But really...my greatest strength is my savior, Jesus Christ. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Weakness: I'm an introvert in 'real' life. I think this holds me back in promoting myself and even making new friends... I would much rather sit at home, then go anywhere , especially if it means I have to meet new people. I hate putting myself out there , and am so shy! Strength: My creativity. It's my passion and as long as I am in that creative state of mind , I am fueled and can't go wrong. Or at least I feel that way, lol, things always go wrong. Creativity for me equals strength and happiness.
Weakness: I am a very, very blunt person. I do not see holding back the truth. And, a very firm believer that "the truth just hurts." (if it is not what you want to hear, of coarse). BUT sometimes people think I am being cruel or negative towards them . That's not it. I am just not fake. I never want to hurt feelings, but if it's the truth...it will probably be said. Strength: Creativity. I do love to use my imagination. If it's on my blog, decorating my home or preparing my son's lunch...I want it to be creative. Creativity defines an individual and brings ones life out.
Weakness: I am a people-pleaser. I so desperately want everyone to like me--even people that I honestly don't like. I have grown a lot in this area. But still, sometimes I can get so self-conscious or convince myself that someone doesn't like me for no reason. I feel like I have to earn everyone's love and that if I mess up too much everyone will just decide they don't like me and don't want to be in my life . Every day I am trying to lean on the fact that Jesus chose to show me the most love when I was at my absolute worst. Strength: My greatest strength is compassion. If I can do one thing, it's care. I'm often brought to tears by the pain of a stranger or friend. This allows me to come alongside others in empathy and to help lift them up with encouragement. I have to flip the channel when those sad puppy commercials come on because I just can't handle it. Sometimes something sad I heard during the day keeps me awake at night thinking and praying. My friend once said I model "godly sorrow." Ungodly sorrow would be the kind where you think there is no hope. Godly sorrow is being so broken about your puny human condition or the condition of the world that you cry to Jesus because he is the only hope. This is what I do best.
Every month I get the privilege of partnering with amazing women who continuously impress me! These women share their lives, passions and inspirations in a way that is refreshing, uplifting and vulnerable. This month I asked these lovelies to divulge not only their biggest strength but also their biggest weakness.
Weakness:
Headstrong. It causes a lot of problems.
Strength:
Love. To love and be loved.
Weakness:
A big weakness of mine is that I tend to talk over people during conversation. And I don't realize it until I'm already doing it.
Strength:
My greatest strength would have to be that I am a very independent person and have always been a quick learner. I have a pretty good ability to grasp new concepts and skills quickly. This always worked to my advantage in the workplace.
Me
Weakness:
One of my greatest weaknesses is that I can be too direct.
When I'm short and to the point, it can come across as harsh, and unloving.
Strength:
Reliability. I am committed to keeping my word - and my commitments to people.
I would go great distances for a friend in need.
What is your greatest strength? Weakness? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
This Post Sponsored By:
Thursday, July 26
7.26.12
The Weekly Wrap
7.26.12
The Weekly Wrap
Row 1 >> $13 Payless Run // Longing // Mosaic // Julep Nailcolor
Row 2 >> Cool // Cute // Park // Shades
Row 3 >> Berries & Cream // Rules of the Inn // FishNChips // DateNight
Row 4 >> Mosaic (Loom app) // Cheese // Mosaic Again // Yummy Eats
Row 1 >> Moi // Minty Fresh Skinnies // Ribbit! // Monument
Row 2 >> Favorite Pitcher :( // Haricots Verts // Florence+TheMachine // Yellow
Row 3 >> Jest // New Top // FroYo // Cheeseburger Pockets
Row 4 >> New Fridge // Rest // J&M's Eye Candy // Playtime
Row 1 >> PB & Dark Chocolate // FauxHawk // Bedtime // Fancy Coffee
Row 2 >> Sandbox // Giveaway // Dreams // Steamer Clams
Row 3 >> Grandma's Style // Focus // Toddler Battles // Favorite Verse
Row 4 >> Good-byes // Italiano // Work // Morning
Row 1 >> Forgive // Silly Faces // FloorNap // Chocolate Chip Cookies
Row 2 >> Mini Cone // GQ Hubs // Toybox // Stickers
Row 3>> Candy // Balance Ball // Always with You // Close-up Stickers
Row 4 >> Pray without Ceasing // Sleep-eating // Watercolor Mani // Swings
Wednesday, July 25
Featured on Single[d]oubt
Lessons Learned from A Season of Lack
Featured on Single[d]oubt
Lessons Learned from A Season of Lack
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| #prayer #shereadstruth via baxtronlife |
We were reading the articles and seeing the news about millions of Americans being jobless, but we weren't feeling the effect at all. We were in a bubble, making above average and paying below average, in the small community where we lived.
Continue reading on Single[d]oubt...
ExNay on the IcroMaveWay
Simple Steps to Healthy Living Linky Party
ExNay on the IcroMaveWay
Simple Steps to Healthy Living Linky Party
Welcome to another week of Healthy Living! I'm so excited you're here and look forward to hearing your tips and simple steps towards a more healthy lifestyle.
For this month, Kristina is doing something a little different!
There will be a giveaway with this linky party, so all the more reason to have fun and participate!
Check out these awesome link-ups from last week:
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And now for my tip!
Probably one of the simplest things I've ever done:
I TOSSED OUT OUR MICROWAVE.
Yep, I banished it.
Sure, it takes away the convenience of zapping your food in a hurry, but it also gives me peace of mind (worth more than any convenience) in knowing that the food I prepare is not the packaged processed kind. No microwave = I won't be tempted to buy that kind of junk.
Plus, I just felt a need to rid our home of it. There are articles out there on both sides of the fence as to wether microwaved food is as healthful as regularly prepared food, but I feel that with so much illness and cancer on the rise, I don't want to take any chances. Erring on the side of caution. (Much to the dismay of my convenience loving husband!)
What are your thoughts on microwaves?
***
Today, Kristina is offering a Family-Size NonPetro Jelly skin balm as the giveaway with this week's link up! Use this just as you would Vaseline or Aquaphor or lotion for that matter, but with more peace of mind, knowing there aren't any harmful ingredients in it!
For a chance to win this awesome NonPetro Jelly, We'd love to have you link up your own simple steps (for added points not a requirement) and enter the raffleopter below.
Now it's your turn to share what you're learning!
But first, check out these lovely ladies co-hosting with Kristina today!
1. Follow Kristina and all the co-hostesses
2. You can post about anything you want, as long as it's a simple step towards a healthier lifestyle including tips for "green" living. I will ask that you avoid the following:
no processed foods
no artificial ingredients
nothing from a box
3. Share the love. Check out at least 3-4 other posts and introduce yourselves. The thing I love most about linky parties is that you get to meet so many amazing people!
4. Have fun!! :)
I'd also love to have you put the button on your post or blog somewhere so that it's an actual "link" party! :)
I'd also love to have you put the button on your post or blog somewhere so that it's an actual "link" party! :)
Want to co-host next time? Just contact Kristina and we'll set it up!
And featured ladies, don't forget to grab the "I was featured" button! Excellent shares and I'm so glad you linked up last time!!
And featured ladies, don't forget to grab the "I was featured" button! Excellent shares and I'm so glad you linked up last time!!
Tuesday, July 24
Featured Lovely + Giveaway
Meet Brooke | Covered in Grace
Featured Lovely + Giveaway
Meet Brooke | Covered in Grace
About you…
Me...I'm a goofy, laid back lady that loves to write and create and be with the people that I love. At the moment, I am free as a bird, living on Oahu and am going to soak up every bit of this Pacific Paradise that I can. I just graduated with my BA in English, after starting down this path 12 long years ago. Now, with a move on the horizon, I get to actually stay home and do whatever. Believe, I am not going to take it for granted. Woo!
Me...I'm a goofy, laid back lady that loves to write and create and be with the people that I love. At the moment, I am free as a bird, living on Oahu and am going to soak up every bit of this Pacific Paradise that I can. I just graduated with my BA in English, after starting down this path 12 long years ago. Now, with a move on the horizon, I get to actually stay home and do whatever. Believe, I am not going to take it for granted. Woo!
About your family...
I'm a military wife to an amazing, hunky man that I adore (even when he's being a stupid boy). We have two beautiful daughters that amaze me every single day. My husband and I are trying to relish in every moment as we watch Taylor and Riley grow and change. They just turned 12 and 10, respectively, and I just cannot believe, or rather, I don't want to believe that my babies are going into the 7th and 5th grades this year. We currently live in Hawaii...but later this year we're making a giant life change and leaving this island and the military life for good. It will be such a bitter sweet change. We're praying for the right job opportunity and path to placed before us.
I'm a military wife to an amazing, hunky man that I adore (even when he's being a stupid boy). We have two beautiful daughters that amaze me every single day. My husband and I are trying to relish in every moment as we watch Taylor and Riley grow and change. They just turned 12 and 10, respectively, and I just cannot believe, or rather, I don't want to believe that my babies are going into the 7th and 5th grades this year. We currently live in Hawaii...but later this year we're making a giant life change and leaving this island and the military life for good. It will be such a bitter sweet change. We're praying for the right job opportunity and path to placed before us.
About your blog...
I began blogging to develop a daily writing habit. It evolved into a way for me to bring some nostalgia into my life, while practicing my wannabe photog skills. Now it is a place for me to feature some of the things and people that I love, as well as reflect on my faith in Jesus. In the near future, I plan to continue down the road of self-discovery, with a few stops looking back at the years passed, pin-spirations, Monday Meet Ups, networking with bloggers, and many more juicy tidbits of blogging awesomeness.
I began blogging to develop a daily writing habit. It evolved into a way for me to bring some nostalgia into my life, while practicing my wannabe photog skills. Now it is a place for me to feature some of the things and people that I love, as well as reflect on my faith in Jesus. In the near future, I plan to continue down the road of self-discovery, with a few stops looking back at the years passed, pin-spirations, Monday Meet Ups, networking with bloggers, and many more juicy tidbits of blogging awesomeness.
***
As I sit and type this, I am in The Great State... TEXAS!! Visiting my family, watching my Baby Brother marry a beautiful lady, meeting my niece for the very first time...and hopefully, my very first in real life blogger meet up! Woo!
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Enter the Rafflecopter below!
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Brooke also has a HUGE giveaway going on over on Covered in Grace where you can win an in-post ad on Baxtron{Life} in August + many more awesome prizes! <3
Adorable Handmade Skirt
@theChirpingMoms Giveaway+Tutorial
Adorable Handmade Skirt
@theChirpingMoms Giveaway+Tutorial
Check out this adorable skirt that the Chirping Moms handmade for Zion!
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Learn how to make this skirt and enter to win one via the Chirping Moms!
Monday, July 23
Letting My True Colors Shine
Pinning!
Letting My True Colors Shine
Pinning!
"Pinning!" is a Weekly Pinterest Link-Up
(Share pins, meet others who love "Pinning", get inspired!)
First Time? It's simple just follow these rules:
then
Link up your Pinterest Post & Profile below
and
Make sure you link back to the party!
Each week a winner will be chosen to flaunt the title of "Pinning-est" for successfully wowing us with the best Pinterest find. The winner will be featured/announced in the following week's post!
***
I'm super excited today to share with you my recent Pinterest-inspired hair makeover!! If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you may have already seen the results. But in case you don't follow (and hey why aren't you!?) here is the transformation and big reveal - all PINTEREST inspired.
So here was my original inspiration found via Pinterest
These were the cuts that I loved.
So, here is where the fun begins:
First stage complete: Cut the length
As the Color was being added, I was offered a complimentary Mani & Pedi - um, YES PLEASE!
First look at the color and finishing the cut, getting really excited for the big reveal!
YAY!
Before & After / Versus the Original Inspiration
Even Passed the Day After test!
So what do you think!?
THANK YOU to all who linked up last week!
WANT TO BE A GUEST JUDGE or HOST?
Holly! Feel free to grab the button, and flaunt it!
Are you "Pinning"?
Come on, everyone is doing it.
Join us MONDAYS for weekly sharing of Pinterest finds.
***
Link up your PINTEREST INSPIRED POST below:
***
Link up your PINTEREST PROFILE below:
Also linking up with Lish!
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