Shellie Bowdoin's Blog, page 2

1,100 Mile Road Trip | Missouri Bound

The FAB Journey

A few weeks have passed since I���ve focused attention toward this little space of my world. My time has been occupied with my mama space, which truthfully, whether for good or for bad, seems to eclipse most others.

I���ve been away setting my daughter up in a new state for her new job. ��It took us three days to drive 1,100 miles in his dad���s sturdy, black Ford 250 truck. Well, I guess it���s more accurate to say I sat in the passenger seat for a 1,100 mile road trip.

I typically never drive on long trips. I���m always content to ride and leave the driving to the king of the road. But in this case, our vehicle was so big and so loaded that every move took deliberate consideration���nope, this girl���s got no time for that! My mind was on furniture placement and wall hangings.

We glided along the interstate like an ocean liner set for Missouri; literally stuffed with my daughter’s worldly goods. Upon arrival to the ���Show Me State���, we spent a week unpacking and scouring the surrounding area for the best deals to fill in the missing pieces. Yep, that would be one full day of couch shopping and one full, rainy day to find a used washer and dryer.

Could we have done it in less time? The short answer is yes, but then I redirect you to the object of our search���the best deals. Aha, now most of you know exactly how these searches go. You look at one item and then set out to beat it, only to return to the same store five hours later after realizing that yes, it was a pretty good deal after all!

The apartment took shape from boxes and piles to quaint and cozy. Yes, this mama���s work was done, but then I looked at the date on the calendar and the faces of recent 2021 graduates smiling from my social media feed. I realized that a year had passed since my Baby Girl���s graduation day had slipped by with no pomp in rather somber circumstances.

Yes, I had just finished unpacking and setting up a two-bedroom apartment after a three-day road trip. But, the light bulb came on in my morning shower. I emerged with plans to throw an impromptu “Moved to a new state, new job, new apartment…oh, and never celebrated her graduation��� party in two days before we headed back to Florida.

Almost everyone I invited with only two days��� notice found space in their hearts and calendars to celebrate with us. The party went off without a hitch! Well, except for the part where I framed the wrong diploma, which was actually for her AA degree instead of her bachelor���s degree. The location of her diploma is yet a mystery.

The next day, we turned the truck around for the 1100 mile road trip back to Florida. Thank God for husbands because this girl was practically comatose for half of the trip!

We got back with a day to spare before heading to an annual ministers’ conference. Wow, I must say that it felt strange and oh-so-good to be with people again.

Was the trip hard? Not nearly as hard as missing it would have been!

In the end, we always make time and expend the effort to do what we really want to do not matter how hard it is.

I guess that���s why it always helps to get down to the why of what we do. If we act with our why in focus then we will always find greater joy, contentment and a sense of accomplishment.

I���ve been asked if it was hard to leave my Baby Girl so far away. Honestly, I would love it if I could see her face every day of my life. But then, I realize that making my life easier would never allow her to fully live hers.

Instead, I rest in the knowledge that she���s set up in a really nice apartment under the watchful eye of a really good God!

Now that���s something that makes the distance bearable, well that and video chats���smile.

~ Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin���! Check out the fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

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Keeping It Real | Invitation To A “Beautiful Mess Chat”

The FAB Journey

Right now, life is hard for a lot of us. I’m not so sure if it’s any one thing, but the confluence of so much crazy stuff all smashed into a rather short period of time has really hit a lot of us for a loop. And, for lack of a better term, I would say it’s left quite a few of us feeling more than a little loopy. It’s the time for keeping it real with ourselves and others.

It seems like the winds of too much change and uncertainty have blown some of us off course a bit. So today, I am keeping it real with all of you. I made a little video to share my heart with each of you…and I did it without any make-up on…it’s just me; keeping it real with each of you.

Invitation To A “Beautiful Mess Chat”

I’ve been feeling the need for community…and not the kind where I talk and everyone else listens, or likes, or comments. No, a real see-your-face and hear-you-speak (if you want to ) kind of get-together. I believe that we’re stronger together and I’m also confident that God is always standing at the ready to lend us strength when we feel weak.

Thanks to those of you who took the time to fill out the survey I put out a few weeks ago on The Fabulous Journey Facebook page. I was thrilled with the response I received!

Our chat will be a mix of several things: a short devotional, some Q&A, discussions about what we all are currently facing, and maybe some tips and tricks sprinkled in. Oh, and of course, it would be free for anyone who is interested.

The first “Beautiful Mess Chat” will be May 27 at 8:30pm (ET). Please take a second to fill out this form to register for the event.

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Aren’t you glad that God always keeps it real with us and He gives us the body of Christ to encourage us? I look forward to meeting some of you for the first time.

~ Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin���! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

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Nice Dress, Great Truck!!

The FAB Journey

It’s the age old question, What came first, the chicken or the egg, or in this case, the nice dress or the truck? I must admit it was the truck. There it was just beckoning me to admire it. This great truck had a story to tell and I was wearing a nice dress, so this blogger did what she does and I’ve got a nice little post to share.

This truck was low on pretense and high on style. Yes, it had obviously weathered some years, but glimpses of it’s colorful beginnings were still evident. Even better, the signs of age only enhanced its charm.

As the years pass, one after the other, I hope I can carry my age with just as much grace and finesse!

Now, all this talk about the truck is not to say that the dress isn’t pretty awesome too! I am always happy when I can find a dress long enough to wear without tugging or adjusting it every time I want to sit down. The forest green accents were a nice departure from my signature black, but then the dress is anchored in black, so I’m still true to my first love.

I received my second Covid vaccination today, which brings the whole year full circle. Simultaneously, I mourn the passing of a friend from years gone by and pray for his wife as she hopefully recovers from her own battle with the virus. I must admit that I struggle with the dissonance.

Gratitude vs. GuiltPlenty vs. Lack

Yet again, I am brought back to the simple fact that when everything in life is sorted, I will stand before God and be held responsible for me and me alone. I cannot make someone else see things as I do, nor can I orchestrate world affairs. But, I can spread His light, I can recognize the blessings of this one life and I can live it to the fullest of my ability.

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Titus 1:15

So, I’ll be grateful for my vaccine and I’ll continue to pray for my friends around the world as they wait for theirs. And, above all else, I’ll thank God for each and every blessing that comes my way in the waiting.

~ Shellie

Catch all my fashion posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin���! Check out the fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

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Road Trip| Hands On The Wheel

The FAB Journey

I’ve just returned from a grand adventure! My daughter and I launched out on a three-day road trip from Florida to Missouri to move her to a new city. I’d never driven further than the northern borders of my own state prior to this trip, but my girl had a new job waiting and this mama was going to get her there.

Quite frankly, the newness of this undertaking didn’t occur to me until a few hours into the second day. I was forging new territory, on my own…hands on the wheel and foot on the gas. This is not to say I’d never covered this ground before…no, I was familiar with the landscape, but I had always experienced it in from the passenger seat.

This time, I was forging new personal territory by doing something I’d never done before.

The second day taught me that I have the distinct talent of stretching a seven hour trip into ten hours. It all started with a detour to Buc-cees, the Disney of gas stations. We gassed up, grabbed some sugared nuts, a brisket taco, made a gourmet hot chocolate and snapped a few photos along the way.

 

Only after driving away did I discover that our little detour had added the first hour to our trip. But that was ok…we were fed and ready to hit the open road; however, the road wasn’t as open as I had anticipated. In fact, it was downright small; all two-laney and sloooooow.

After a call to the husband, we were now educated to the fact that Google maps doesn’t figure in speed when determining the best route. We were in uncharted territory…a small, winding Alabama road. Thankfully, the road eventually widened to four lanes as we began our northern ascent through Mississippi.

Of course, our stomachs were soon calling again, so we branched off to a nearby town to hit a well-reviewed burger joint. But alas, we gave up after circling the block three times; only to find out from a waitress at the second highest reviewed spot that the burger place was indeed there; tucked behind the post office, down a tight lane across from the second-hand store. Nope, you can’t really see it from the road…sigh.

Here, I should mention that rest areas are few and far between on off-interstate travel, which left the two of us searching for other points along the path…where bathroom doors are opened with screwdrivers OR where each girl takes turns as the lookout while the other uses the men’s bathroom as the co-workers can be overheard puzzling over what would make someone think they could flush “that” down the women’s toilet??

I’m sure it’s starting to sink in about now…what’s the point of a road trip story without diverging on the path of a life metaphor?…well, at least when I’m telling the story.

This three-day road trip was little about the drive and a lot about the journey.

Yep, I learned a few lessons along the way…

Lessons From My First Long Road TripDon’t get so caught up in the destination that you miss the moments along the way.

Yes, that second day was long, but I wouldn’t trade the chats; the podcasts of “Crime Junkies”; or belting out songs in harmony with my best girl. We’ll always remember that screwdrivers make great keys.

Sometimes, you’ve just got to get behind the wheel and drive.

Life is full of opportunities…to do something that you’ve never done before; to go somewhere you’ve never gone or to be something you’ve never been. We are seldom limited by lack of opportunity, but rather by our own inability or unwillingness to step past our comfort zones or the four walls of our accepted reality.

Just because things didn’t go exactly like you expected doesn’t mean they weren’t perfect for you.

We seldom laugh and reminisce about the perfect days.
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We seldom laugh and reminisce about the perfect days.

It’s the bumps and inconveniences that make the best life stories. You alone decide how to perceive events of your life…do you cry or laugh over every missed step? It’s amazing how your perspective can frame your journey!

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalms 37:23

And, just like that, we ended up in Missouri three days after we set out on our first solo road trip. Baby Girl is moved in and I’m back home in Florida with a journey in my pocket and a few more shared memories.

~ Shellie

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Twelve Months Of Craziness & One Steady God

The FAB Journey

Today, on this sunny Florida afternoon, I’m reflecting on the past twelve months of craziness and one steady God. That’s the only way I can adequately describe how the last year has felt on so many levels.

On this very day twelve months ago, I sat in my Manila apartment and stared out the window to the ground 12 floors below. At this point, I had been on mandated lockdown for one week…and the reality of the situation was sinking in.

The things that I typically enjoyed so much about our apartment…no yard to mow, no dog to feed…we could just pick up and go anytime we wanted, became the very things that suddenly seemed restrictive and confining.

I remember thinking, “What in the world am I going to do with myself all day, everyday with these physical restraints?” I was not allowed to leave the apartment and we had no balcony. In the first weeks, I would open my windows periodically to stick my head out to feel the breeze and hear the wind rustle through the trees below.

I had just come off a busy season of travel and appointments. In fact, I remember laughing about how hard I had worked to carve out a little time for rest and renewal during the busy few months of 2020.

Then suddenly, my “schedule” changed as if by the clicking of a switch. I had time…luxurious time…then, TOO MUCH TIME…to rest. Now, the things I used to fit in on the fly between all the other important stuff in my life became the only things I had to do.

I eventually sank into a rhythm by mentally dividing my days by various rituals. I became more mindful about creating positive connections by posting one encouraging or uplifting post per day on social media. And, I considerably upped my video game by making a series of videos.

In retrospect, I learned to live without the press of the next appointment. I realized once again, as I had in past life seasons…God didn’t send me here to do, but to be.

How many times has God brought me back to this same place?

I remember learning this lesson for the first time two decades before as a mom of young kids in the small communist country of Laos. I spent my days…and a lot of boiling hot ones at that…reading stories, fixing lunches and waiting for nap time. Shouldn’t I be doing something meaningful with my life?

Eventually, God got my attention. He didn’t love or accept me because of my competency or my ability to get things done….in that season, he wanted me to be present for my kids.

Twelve Months Of Craziness & One Steady God

Yes, the Covid season of 2020 was 12 months of craziness that hit many of us by surprise, but I have experienced other seasons that mirrored it in many ways. And, when it comes right down to it, it’s my presence in less-than-ideal circumstances that’s spoken loader than anything I’ve accomplished in this life.

Why would I leave America to raise my kids in a third-world context? Why did I stay in that Manila apartment for twelve straight weeks without leaving but a handful of times when I could have hopped a plane for the United States? Yes, America was also in lockdown, but I could have at least been able to walk outside the front door.

I did it because I can trust God with my days. It’s a lesson He’s taught me over the years…God is only ever interested in my heart, not what I do.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.Corinthians 4: 16 -18

God renews us day by day and we can choose to fix our eyes on him regardless of the storms. Yes, it’s been twelve months of craziness! But ultimately, it’s our presence that speaks value to those we’ve been called to love and serve; whether it’s precious children; a husband in a two-bedroom high-rise apartment or the woman who reads these words in a blog post.

I believe God will continue to use me as new seasons arise, and yes I look forward to fully embracing, squeezing the life out of, some happier seasons to come. But, this one lesson I hope to remember…my greatest contribution is not to do, but to be.

~ Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

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Striped Button-Down Shirt

The FAB Journey

We all have our go-to outfit when it comes to casual dress. It’s that outfit that looks put together and feels really comfortable at the same time. A striped button-down shirt with jeans and loafers fits the bill perfectly for me.

My daughter says I’m the queen of smart casual. This means a look that’s more put together than a t-shirt and jeans, but feels just as comfortable as athletic wear. The smart casual look is never fussy and comfort is always the key. I guess I would say that the “smart” part is pulled off with jewelry and an attention to accessories.

Striped Button-Down Shirt

The cotton striped button-down shirt is a nice staple piece for any woman’s wardrobe. The vertical seams and stripes are figure flattering and the cotton fabric wicks moisture away when the temperatures start to rise. I like to use the “J Crew fold” to roll up the sleeves…fold the whole sleeve up to allow the cuff edge to touch the crease of the elbow, then fold the sleeve up one or two times to allow the cuff edge to peep over the top.

I chose red accessories and stainless jewelry to finish off the look. The round pendant and earrings play well against the vertical stripes and the dark denim provides nice contrast to the light gray color. A pair of white Adidas tennis shoes would also have looked nice with this combo.

This Week’s Reflection

I’ve been thinking about timing lately, more specifically God’s timing. We’re often full of whys when it comes to God and our perceived needs.

God, why is it taking so long?God, why did you take me down this road when I wanted to go another way?God, why can’t this be easier?

We’ve been through a whirlwind experience with our son who was diagnosed with a malignant tumor and had it surgically removed within 10 days. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread and God has him on the road to recovery. Would we have rather had no cancer diagnosis at all…of course! But, God has been one step ahead through the whole process; from a caring surgeon to a rightly timed MRI scheduled five weeks earlier.

Our daughter was recently offered a job in another state and we are busily working to make the arrangements to move her. She graduated from college last Spring in the midst of Covid lockdowns. At that time, her job prospects were low. Through the months, we trusted God to provide a job in her chosen field and now it’s here. This “delay” gave us a precious nine months with our adult daughter that we never expected.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29: 11

God continues to breath new life into these words with each new step in life’s journey. What plans do you need to trust God with today?

~ Shellie

Catch all my fashion posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

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Striped Button-Up Shirt

The FAB Journey

We all have our go-to outfit when it comes to casual dress. It’s that outfit that looks put together and feels really comfortable at the same time. A striped button-down shirt with jeans and loafers fits the bill perfectly for me.

My daughter says I’m the queen of smart casual. This means a look that’s more put together than a t-shirt and jeans, but feels just as comfortable as athletic wear. The smart casual look is never fussy and comfort is always the key. I guess I would say that the “smart” part is pulled off with jewelry and an attention to accessories.

Striped Button-Down Shirt

The cotton striped button-down shirt is a nice staple piece for any woman’s wardrobe. The vertical seams and stripes are figure flattering and the cotton fabric wicks moisture away when the temperatures start to rise. I like to use the “J Crew fold” to roll up the sleeves…fold the whole sleeve up to allow the cuff edge to touch the crease of the elbow, then fold the sleeve up one or two times to allow the cuff edge to peep over the top.

I chose red accessories and stainless jewelry to finish off the look. The round pendant and earrings play well against the vertical stripes and the dark denim provides nice contrast to the light gray color. A pair of white Adidas tennis shoes would also have looked nice with this combo.

This Week’s Reflection

I’ve been thinking about timing lately, more specifically God’s timing. We’re often full of whys when it comes to God and our perceived needs.

God, why is it taking so long?God, why did you take me down this road when I wanted to go another way?God, why can’t this be easier?

We’ve been through a whirlwind experience with our son who was diagnosed with a malignant tumor and had it surgically removed within 10 days. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread and God has him on the road to recovery. Would we have rather had no cancer diagnosis at all…of course! But, God has been one step ahead through the whole process; from a caring surgeon to a rightly timed MRI scheduled five weeks earlier.

Our daughter was recently offered a job in another state and we are busily working to make the arrangements to move her. She graduated from college last Spring in the midst of Covid lockdowns. At that time, her job prospects were low. Through the months, we trusted God to provide a job in her chosen field and now it’s here. This “delay” gave us a precious nine months with our adult daughter that we never expected.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29: 11

God continues to breath new life into these words with each new step in life’s journey. What plans do you need to trust God with today?

~ Shellie

Catch all my fashion posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

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Changing Makeup Over 50

The FAB Journey

Anybody else relate when I say that the 50th decade brings a lot of new stuff with it? I’ve had to rethink my workout routine, sleep, food choices and skincare. So, I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that I am finding myself changing makeup over 50 as well.

I have worn makeup regularly for the past 40 years and I guess you could say I’ve become an expert at it. If pressed, I can put on a full face and be out the door in ten minutes. Now, that doesn’t mean that I do it that fast every time or even most of the time…a fact that my husband can well attest to having waited a few years of his life for me to get ready.

Makeup application is just something I take for granted. But, as the landscape of my face subtly changes from year to year, I am finding it necessary to make certain tweaks and changes to keep my makeup looking fresh and flattered.

For a lot of us, change is an unwelcome concept. We don’t want the bother and the uneasiness…and we really don’t want to take the time to figure out something new. So, it’s easy to find ourselves leaning on the same products and the same techniques we’ve used for decades.

The problem with this is that the same products that worked well a few decades ago may no longer enhance the face we have today. So today, I’m talking about changing makeup over 50 and offering some tips on a few changes I’ve made along the way.

Changing Makeup Over 50

I talk about changing makeup over 50 in this Youtube video, but I’ll outline the main points here again.

Softer Eyeliner

Eyeliner is important for bringing definition and shape to our eyes, but I have found the need to go lighter as I age. I used to use black liquid eyeliner to make a thick line along my upper lash, but I now use the thinnest of lines that blends into my lashes. Then, I finish off the top lid with an espresso brown eyeliner pencil. I go a step lighter brown underneath my eye and I stop about half-way across my lower lash. Finally, put a small dot of black pencil liner in the out corner of my eye and smudge it both above and below.

Color Corrector

Our skin becomes thinner as we age. This can cause our veins and capillaries to show through; especially under our eyes and around our nose. A color corrector does a great job of camouflaging these areas and you choose a color corrector based on the color of your veins; whether they show through as blue, green or red. Here’s a simple tutorial if you are unsure what color corrector would work best with your skin.

Undereye Moisture

The delicate skin of our undereye area can often dry out, which ends up accentuating any fine lines or wrinkles. I’ve found that I can tap on a tiny bit of Jojoba oil to keep this area hydrated after I have finished applying my makeup.

Powder and Setting Spray

Finally, I’ve gone back and forth on powder. I like that it sets my makeup, but I hate when it makes me look like I’m wearing a mask. Lately, I have settled on applying powder down the center of my face and a slight bit across my cheeks. I avoid putting powder under my eyes. Then, I apply setting spray with a beauty blender. This step leads to the most natural look because the setting spray actually melts the makeup slightly leaving your makeup looking much more natural.

Well, that’s what I’ve changed up to this point!

God Never Changes

While my life and my face continues to change, I’m so glad that I can place my hope and confidence in a God who never changes.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1: 17

We just emerged from a shaky two weeks of uncertainty with one of my kids and I am thrilled to say that God brought us through!! He was right there the whole time; giving us the peace that passed our own understanding and the confidence propped up by literally thousands of prayers.

We could count on Him to be the same faithful God who has shown up for us time and time again.

~ Shellie

Catch all my fashion posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous fashion linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

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Review of NIV Verse Mapping Bible & Journal

The FAB Journey

The news was not at all what I expected. I heard the word malignant through my spotty connection after running out of my exercise class to answer the phone. It “IS malignant or ISN’T malignant?,” I inquired, but he couldn’t make out my words. After driving a few miles, I jumped into the three-way connection with my immediate family.

“Mom, the biopsy came back showing that it’s malignant.”

No mother wants to hear these words, but there they were spoken from the mouth of my son. Now, what exactly was I supposed to do with them when I literally could do nothing? My mind threatened to go to that place where all mamas go when faced with danger and a hurting child…the worst case scenario.

I sent out a few messages and heard comforting words from a few friends. Then, I glanced down to a little pile of books that had just come in the mail. Oh yeah, I had agreed to review the new “NIV Verse Mapping Bible” and the companion “Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal.”

I started flipping through the pages at the beginning of the journal until I came to these words in the introductory pages…

“What’s on your heart today? If you’re facing a difficult circumstance, or find yourself in an unexpected path in your own story with God, select a verse(s) that speaks to the theme of your heart for today.”

Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal(p. 11)

Hmm, I was definitely facing a difficult circumstance. Why not put this new method to a real-life test? A verse came to mind.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Could this verse mapping method speak to my heart today and possibly breath new life into what I already knew in my head? Could it speak something deeper at a time when I could really use some comfort? So, I read through the tutorial and then launched into the process of verse mapping this familiar verse.

Verse Mapping Bible and Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal

The verse mapping technique helps the reader go deeper to explore scripture from several different angles. Although I learned how to study scripture in seminary, I found this method well-organized and thoughtful for the everyday Christian. After all, it’s one thing to know how to do something; actually following through on a regular basis is an entirely different thing.

The verse mapping Bible and journal lead the reader through a thoughtful, doable process of Bible study. I really appreciate the simple layout that guides the reader deeper and deeper into the scripture. Researching the original meanings of key words from the verse opened the door to see things in a more meaningful way.

In relation to my verse, Isaiah 41:10, I felt God’s reassurance in a powerful way after researching the original meaning of the key words and placing the verse into the context of God’s continued care for the people of Israel. My natural inclination was to wallow in the fear of the unknown…to gaze at the imminent danger, which meant tearing up the internet in search of every grizzly detail. But, God’s Word reminded me that He’s ALWAYS been there in the past and He will continue to be our strength whatever the future brings.

I highly recommend the NIV Verse Mapping Bible for anyone who desires to take their Bible study to a deeper level, but who also desires a method that is straight-forward and easy-to-follow. I like that each page of the NIV Verse Mapping Bible includes lines and space to write notes beside the verses. What’s more, the Verse Mapping Bible includes 350 preselected verses to give any reader an easy place to start.

When I first received the Verse Mapping Bible Study Journal, I wasn’t really sure if it was necessary since the five structural elements could easily be recorded in a separate notebook. However, I must admit that I enjoyed having everything laid out and ready at my finger tips. I was ready to dive into the scripture immediately without any initial setup, which would undoubtedly help anyone who hesitates to go deeper with their Bible study for fear of having too little time.

There’s also an NIV Verse Mapping Bible For Girls. In substance, this Bible includes all the same elements as the adult version. The primary difference between this version and the adult version is found in the introductory material, which is all written to communicate with a younger reader. Also, the color and style of the girl’s version would be more attractive to younger girls. But even more importantly is the message it conveys to younger readers…meaningful Bible inquiry is something that anyone can do to enhance their understanding of scripture.

I am excited about the prospect of using this Bible study tool from now on; both in my personal study, but also as a part of my scriptural preparation for speaking and writing.

** I received these books for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid, but the thoughts and opinions voiced in this post are solely my own. #BibleGatewayPartner

~ Shellie

Catch all my posts by subscribing to my newsletter list in the footer of this page or Follow with Bloglovin’! Check out the fabulous linkups I’m joining this week – My Linkups!

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My New Favorite Things | Tell Me Yours

The FAB Journey

Sadly, our attention is often riveted to the saddest and most sensational news of the day. If we’re not careful, we can convince ourselves that there’s really little good in our world at all. Even sadder, is the realization of how easily a gloomy perspective can color our world. That’s why it’s so important to mindfully focus on what’s good about life and living.

I sat down to write a list of my new favorite things; whether they’ve made my life a little easier or brought a smile.

Don’t you love talking about your favorite things? No doubt this is one of the reasons I started blogging in the first place…just to have a regular opportunity to share my life and experiences with others. In fact, I used to write about my favorite things each week.

So, let’s do a little show and tell. I’ll share some of my new favorite things and then you can share some of yours in the comments below.

My New Favorite ThingsNYX Professional Makeup Lift & Snatch Pen

Nice eyebrows do so much to lift and frame the face. I have moved through an assortment of different brow products trying to find the best one for me. It’s difficult to find a natural color match for black eyebrows that doesn’t make me look like I used a black Magic Marker…yes, the struggle is real…not so important in the grand scheme of life, but real nonetheless.

ACV Gummies

I’ve heard about the benefits of taking apple cider vinegar for quite a while, but I could never bring myself to upend a spoon of it into my mouth. Now, there are tasty little gummies to get the job done.

“The Goldbergs”

I am a child of the 80’s and this cute little sitcom shows off every part of that glorious, big-haired, way-too-colorful decade. This little show has given me tons of laughs and brought back a lot of fun memories. Currently, I’m in the 4th season. I sure hope it continues to be just as good as I progress through the remaining seasons.

Nature Valley Protein Bars & Roasted Almonds

I am trying to increase my protein intake and lower my carbs…sigh, oh how I love my carbs. Thankfully, I have found a few yummy snacks that offer a descent amount of protein and taste good at the same time. I like to buy a big bag of raw almonds at Sam’s Club. I wet them; add salt and roast them in the toaster oven for about 25 minutes. They are so good!

Colorstreet Nail Polish Strips

Ok, I admit it, I’m hooked on Colorstreet nails. I’ve been doing my nails consistently since August. I love to look down to beautiful nails. I guess you could say that painted nails are filling the void of painted lips during the age of face masks.

Abide App

Finally, I want to share a lovely little app with you. The Abide app offers short little scriptural meditations at the free level. They really help me to relax and focus on God at the end of the day.

Take A Moment To Think About What’s Good

This all reminds me of a story about the blind men and the elephant. When asked to describe an elephant, each blind man described the animal in a different way depending on his vantage point…one grabbed the tail and said it was like a snake; another said the elephant was like a tree trunk after grasping one of its legs and another said the animal was a wall after groping along to find no beginning or end. Ultimately, they all came up with an entirely different perspective based on their current position.

When things seem to be going wrong, it’s a healthy exercise to take a moment to consider what you are currently enjoying…to take a moment to think about what’s good in your life.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Once you’ve come up with your list, why don’t you take a moment to share it with me in the comments. After all, half of the joy is in the sharing.

~Shellie

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