Shellie Bowdoin's Blog, page 5
August 19, 2020
Be The Real Thing| My Trip To World Of Coke
The FAB Journey
Recently, I made the pilgrimage to The World Of Coke in downtown Atlanta. We southern folks are crazy about our Coke! This place has been on my bucket list for years and it was time to make some family memories. After viewing the museum of all-things-Coke I am now double-sure that the whole world is crazy about it too…as if I didn’t already know!
After all, I’ve drank Coke in some pretty out-of-the-way places. I love sipping it from a plastic bag in Thailand with an expertly tied, improvised rubber band strap to loop around my finger. But, nothing compares to pulling a “Baby Coke” (my name for a small bottle Coke) from a washtub full of icy water.
I can picture it now…popping off the top as a misty white cloud of frozen carbonation wafts from the top of the bottle.
And, let’s not forget Coke’s classic red, which happens to be my signature color. Coke just looks good on me!
About half-way through the tour, I encountered a massive quote posted on an equally massive wall…
“A bottle so distinct that it could be recognized by touch in the dark or lying broken on the ground.”
Everyone knows Coke by its bottle. The design of the bottle is unique and purposeful…it has not changed since the advent of the brand.
This quote spoke more than a design philosophy, it was a mission statement.
I’ve not been a place in the world that I couldn’t buy a Coke. Even when the local water was not safe to drink, I could still rely on Coke to be the “real thing”…it looked like I expected it to look and it tasted like I expected it to taste no matter how unsettling or bizarre my surrounding may have been.
Just like Coke, I too should be immediately recognizable. My life should be unmistakable to everyone who comes in contact with me. I should be the REAL THING. I should look the way people expect me to look and I should act the way people expect me to act.
Why?…because I am an image-bearer of Christ.
Just like Coke’s distinctive bottle, my life is filled with the Holy Spirit’s presence and gifts. If I am really full of God’s presence, then people should be able to recognize God’s presence when it pours out in my thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
I should be the real thing!
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
It was fascinating to hear how closely the Coke company has guarded its secret recipe for well over a century. In fact, the bottling companies have never had access to the recipe…all they do is bottle it!
But, unlike Coke, the message of Christ has remained consistent for thousands of years…the recipe for life in Christ is no secret at all.
Are You The Real Thing?
Would someone be able to point you out as a Christian based solely on your life; your words and actions? We live in a season of considerable turmoil and yes, each day we’re assailed by a considerable amount of stress.
“Adversity introduces a man to himself.” – Albert Einstein
Still, we are not defined by our circumstances, but rather our response to them. I’ve heard the word “together” mentioned a lot in the last few months. Agreeably, a lot of adversity and uncertainty have been dumped on all of us this year, but it’s still up to each person to determine how to respond.
So, this begs the question, “What are you pouring out on a daily basis?” If your life and responses don’t immediately identify you as a Christian, then it’s time to stop and take stock; if not for other people’s sake then for your own. God’s promises are enduring and His mandate is clear.
The “real” Christ-follower needs to keep the “main thing” the main thing. It’s easy to fool ourselves into thinking that everyone needs to hear us wax eloquent on the political landscape or the Coronavirus. After all, that’s what is on everyone’s mind…right?
How could it not be on everyone’s mind when that’s all you see? People are drowning in opinions. Only God’s unchanging truth can break through the chaos. There are too many counterfeits out there…people need to see the real thing in you and in me.
~ Shellie
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August 12, 2020
Casual Black Jumper Dress
The FAB Journey
As I sit here typing this post on my new-to-me coach I can finally say I feel settled-in after two months of limbo life. My husband and I have been busy whipping our little place into shape…our “American” home for the next twelve months in Florida. So, it seems only fitting to put together a fashion post on my first morning without a list of set-up tasks looming on the horizon.
Today, I’m all about this casual black jumper dress. This dress is comfortable and it comes in the “right” color, but it speaks more to me in this season. I definitely lost my fashion oomph over the last few months following my 3-month mandated quarantine in Manila. There wasn’t much point in dressing up when I only crossed the threshold of my apartment five times in twelve weeks.
So, even when I returned to the States I found myself throwing on the same t-shirt and jeans because it was just easier that way. But, signs of the old me are slowly beginning to dawn. In fact, I even glanced at my jewelry bag the other day…I didn’t actually open it, but I thought about it…progress.
I love this easy black jumper dress because it’s comfortable and cute at the same time!
I found this dress on the swimsuit coverup rack, but I decided it was destined for more. This jumper dress has great lines with a slender bottom and pockets.
Yes, it is possible to find casual clothing that is comfortable and figure-flattering at the same time. But, it’s important to get past the notion that comfortable must be oversized, baggy, gathered, or old.
Here’s a couple of tips for choosing casual clothes that are comfortable AND flattering.
Look at the lines. Do they flatter or take away from your figure? The narrow bottom of this jumper dress keeps it from looking like a bag.
Does the outfit add bulk to an area you would rather deemphasize? This jumper dress is narrow at the top and the bottom, so the wider middle adds a fashionable twist instead of bulk.
Does the outfit look good from the front and the back?
Could you add something to a clothing item to make it work? I tried several tops under this jumper before settling on this striped, two-thirds length T-shirt. I think it gives the dress a Parisian feel.
Don’t forget that the shoes often make or break an outfit.
How about you? Have you settled into a rut of just OK; whether it be your clothes or your life? I get you…it’s easy to become complacent with good enough. But, God always has something more for us.
“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.
You can trust Him with your today and your tomorrows. Ask Him to show you His plans…maybe He just wants you to pay closer attention to the details of your every day to make them better reflect His glory?
~ Shellie
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July 29, 2020
Making Memories | Our Mountain Vacation
The FAB Journey
We’ve spent the last week making memories in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. Doing all the things I only dreamed of a few short months ago…fresh air, mountain streams, kids at play and don’t even get me started on the peaches!
I’ve always enjoyed our mountain vacations…scattered out every three to four years over the last three decades. We cram an unwritten list of must-dos and must-sees into way-too-few days. Each event proceeded by a caravan of packed cars winding through twisted mountain scenery.
I’m greeted on these mountain mornings by a host of family delicacies baked on a little cabin stove that’s half the size of the one at home. Still, it manages to churn out meals for twice as many people.
And oh, what meals they are…biscuits with homemade peach jam, Nantahala sausage and tomato gravy, tea cakes like Grandma used to make, and BLTs with heirloom tomatoes hand-picked from the produce market we passed on one of our daily outings. Each meal carries a story from days gone by…everything is “almost” as good as Grandma used to make.
Nights are filled with accounts of vacations past, chair jockeying and bowls of fresh-cut peaches. Generations coming together to share and remember God’s faithfulness through the years….making memories to add to our family story.
The walls are lined with pictures; snapshots of cousins, brothers, and sisters. …our family story is not perfect or unscarred by heartache, but the gift of hindsight allows us to see God’s hand at every turn.
These are grounding days when we remember what really matters; when the troubles of the world fade away…when my heart is drawn to family and to God who has held it together through the years.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
I think we all need these grounding days when everything around us seems like shifting sand. Days to remember who we are, where we’ve been, and where God wants to take us. He did it before and He will do it again!
God’s story will continue to unfold in my life and in the lives of those I love as I continue making memories to share for years to come.
(A big thanks goes to sister Jerri for some great pics!!)
~ Shellie
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July 22, 2020
Find Purpose In The Process | 6 Steps
The FAB Journey
We’re heading up to the Carolina mountains tomorrow to have some family time and get away from the Florida heat. In true Bowdoin fashion, we’ll be off bright and early; stopping only when our stomachs or the bathroom calls. I guess you could say we’re get-there-and get-it-done kind of people…we’ll smell the roses once we get to where we’re going!
And, when I think about it, this is pretty much how I approach life, “Just give me something to do and I’ll get right on it!” But then, that’s seldom how God works, is it?
You feel the green light to go and you muster all the courage and fortitude to launch out…you’ve got this thing: a plan, a calling…maybe even a spiritual mandate…
And then, just like that, you see the curtain coming down in the middle of your show. Wait a minute! This is not what you planned. This hindrance must be coming from the devil…right? Surely, God wouldn’t allow such obstacles when He’s already put a drive and a burden in your heart to do something!?!
Or, would He?
Many of us are familiar with the Old Testament story of King David bringing the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. Some of you may even be familiar with the children’s praise song,
“When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will dance like David danced
When the Spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart
I will dance like David danced
I will dance, dance, dance like David danced
I will dance, dance, dance like David danced”
We love that image of King David dancing the ark into the city…it’s all praise and tambourines!
Agreeably, it was no small feat. David was making things right. He was seeing the plan come to fruition. But, this jubilant scene was the culmination of an arduous process.
“Now King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who were carrying the ark of the Lord had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf.”
When David brought the ark back to Israel, they walked 6 steps and praised and sacrificed on the 7th step. Wait…what?
They got all situated; everyone was in their spot; they hefted the poles onto their shoulders and set out only to stop after 6 steps.
Can you imagine how hard this must have been? They would get the heavy ark situated on their shoulders and step out onto the journey, only to stop six…steps…later.
Sometimes, we have to be willing to stop before we can make real progress. God’s way is not always the easiest or the most predictable. But…we can choose to find purpose in the process knowing that His plans are good.
“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.”
How To Find Purpose In The Process
Maybe you are finding yourself at that 7th step right now. You were moving right along in your business or you were finally making progress with some long-desired relationships and then, just that, all progress STOPPED! You stand at a point of decision…what are you going to do?
Practical steps to help you find purpose in the process.
1. Take a deep breath and consider how God has come through in the past.
Gratitude and thankfulness remind us of who God is and what he can and will do. He did it before and he will do it again.
2. Take stock of negative self-talk.
We easily lose perspective when we feel overwhelmed by our present circumstances. This is when we start using words like “never,” or “hopeless.” Remember, “…out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6: 45b)
3. Ask God to show you what to do in the waiting.
Think about your current circumstance in light of your present life situation.
Would learning some new skills help you land the job you are looking for? If so, search for online training opportunities to increase your skills.
Is God trying to give you time to slow down? If so, consider exploring a new hobby or pastime that you would typically never have time to pursue.
Could your current heartache bring comfort to someone else in the future? If so, start writing down your experiences and what you are learning. Remember, pain is an inherent part of living, but God never wastes our pain.
Take time to mind the moments.
We often wish our lives away in anticipation of the next big thing. Ask God to open your eyes to the beauty of today and accept His grace to live in the moment.
Finally, commit to a daily praise habit. Praise realigns your focus, realigns your perspective, and strengthens you for the 7th step and beyond.
~ Shellie
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July 8, 2020
Are We Turning To Food To Mourn A Stolen Summer?
The FAB Journey
We all enjoyed the memes about overeating and weight that circulated regularly throughout the quarantine season. It’s not surprising that many of us surrendered to the draw of food when we were forced to sit at home day after day. After all, we’re often most tempted by food when we’re at home.
The fridge beckoned us with the promise of diversion and entertainment. Who couldn’t use a little diversion when the days and weeks seemed to slip unnoticed, one into another?
But now, the strictest quarantines have lifted for most, yet many of us still find ourselves looking to food more than we did back in March.
What’s going on? Could it be that we are turning to food to mourn a stolen summer? I think a lot of us are looking to food for comfort. We are mourning what the pandemic has taken away.
2020 doesn’t look right…it just doesn’t feel right.
Typically, we look forward to summers filled with vacations, weddings, reunions, and backyard BBQs. Even the summer sun hates to say goodbye; instead choosing to hang around longer in the sky as kids play with neighbors late into the night. But this year, most of those anticipated events have been canceled.
A few days ago, I went on a yearly shopping trip. I always look forward to holiday weekends when I am in the US because that’s when my favorite outlet drastically slashes its prices. But, it just wasn’t as fun as usual. Why buy nice, new outfits? I have no events to attend. My calendar is blank and “canceled” has become the theme word of the season.
Everyday life just seems a little harder right now. It’s not surprising that we turn to food for comfort when everything else has been taken away. After all, food still tastes the same and it provides entertainment…at least momentarily.
What To Do If You’re Turning To Food To Mourn A Stolen Summer?
Recognize you are experiencing sustained levels of stress
Many of us turn to food when we’re stressed. However, the pandemic presents certain challenges that few of us are prepared to handle. In fact, we are wading through uncharted waters of disappointment and uncertainty day-after-day. Take a look at my post on “I Overeat Because I’m Stressed” for some further ideas for dealing with stress eating.
Acknowledge your feelings
Take a moment to assess your thoughts and emotions. We often turn to food to make us feel better and it does provide a momentary high. But, we are still left with feelings of sadness and confusion long after the “sugar high” has subsided. Be realistic…what do you expect the food to do for you?
Talk It Through and Get Some Accountability
This pandemic offers a unique shared experience. You are not alone. Everyone you know is walking through the same uncharted waters. So, why not reach out to a friend? Let her know how you’re feeling…I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if she shares many of your current struggles.
Remember, food is a common scapegoat, but an awful counselor.
Remember, food is a common scapegoat, but an awful counselor.
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Last, but definitely not least, I encourage you to take your struggles to God.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
God wants to carry your burdens; all of them…even if you’re burdened with an inability to resist food. He places no qualifications on his love and concern for you.
~ Shellie
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July 1, 2020
July 4th Memory Roundup
The FAB Journey
I’ve always been the sappy one in the family, I’m the one who drags everyone out to celebrate holiday observances. I love crowds and togetherness. I just like to be “in the mix”; especially, after spending years out of the country during most major holidays.
But then there’s 2020, the year that seems intent on shaking up all my plans and traditions. Here I am…facing an old-faithful situation in a strange new way. This year’s July 4th celebration won’t be capped off with a burst of color in the sky or the sight of families enjoying the summer celebration.
So, I guess I will approach July 4th the same way I’ve faced the last several months; I’ll sit back and thank God for some awesome memories. Here’s a July 4th Memory Roundup from the last half-decade…and WOW, has God been good to the Bowdoin family?!
July 4th Memory Roundup
2015
The kids and I still laugh about this fireworks display. We decided to stay out in the field instead of walking into the stadium to view the fireworks. The mosquitos enjoyed a hearty meal on us that night and it was oh-so-LOUD!
2016 & 2017
We commemorated more than America’s independence in 2016. We were so happy to be celebrating July 4th with Sam’s dad who had gone through a series of surgeries and health struggles earlier that summer.
We decided to reenact the same picture in 2017. I am struck by how much healthier Papa looked a year later! Of course, he’s not smiling in the picture, which further proves he was feeling back to normal.
2018
We made sure we were inside the stadium this year…yep, the 2016 field experience taught us well. I love my crazy kids!
https://thefabjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/July-4th-Memory-Roundup.mp4
2019
Was this only a year ago?? Last year, we celebrated July 4th only a few weeks after my son’s wedding. This was my first celebration with a new daughter in the mix.
2020??
While I don’t have any grand celebrations to anticipate on the horizon of this year’s July 4th, I still have some awesome memories to cherish and the promise of future celebrations. I’m also intensely grateful to be an American…this country may not be perfect, but it’s mine and I love it!
But, most importantly, I can celebrate my heavenly citizenship. God never changes and He promises a brighter future for me.
“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”
I was just discussing yet another canceled event with a friend earlier this morning and she said to me, “Shellie, you’ll do what you always do…you’ll make lemonade.” So there’s my answer to 2020, I guess I’ll make lemonade with the lemons I’ve been given this July 4th. How about you?
Happy July 4th!
~Shellie
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June 24, 2020
Time For A Red Outfit
The FAB Journey
I’ve been back in the US for about two and a half weeks now and things are just starting to settle into a groove. However, that doesn’t mean that I have managed to adjust my schedule to this hemisphere. When I’m in Asia, I live my life a day ahead of the US. Typically, I post at night so that my American peeps can read in the morning.
So, you can see how this is messing up this night owl who is not so keen on mornings!!!
While the sun shines hot and the clouds are bright here in Florida, it seems that all is not as bright as it seems. Unfortunately, the Covid virus continues to rage; especially here in my home state of Florida. So, I decided it was time for a red outfit to pick me up.
Time For A Red Outfit
The color red just makes me happy. I love this easy look and it is oh-so-comfortable! Of course, who doesn’t love wearing leggings? For me, the key to leggings is to pair them with a top that is long enough to cover everything I like to keep covered! 
June 11, 2020
Lipstick and Face masks
The FAB Journey
I am back in the US of A and I am oh-so-glad to be here! I made the journey without any hiccups and I was thrilled to ride poor man’s business all the way or “three seats to myself” for those of you who may not be familiar with the term. The hardest part was wearing a face mask for the whole journey. I gained an even greater appreciation for our front-liners who wear face masks day in and day out! These days I’m riding a fine line between lipstick and face masks.
https://thefabjourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Facemasks-Lipstick.mp4
I’ve kept my distance as best I can, just to make sure I didn’t pick anything up on my journey. Still, I can actually step outside to feel the sun and wind on my face and that’s a long-awaited treat! I looked up at the sky today and I was convinced it’s never been quite so blue.
On a less cheery note, I was tested for Covid yesterday as our state offers open testing for people who are non-symptomatic. I want to know I’m safe before visiting with older family members and the test allows me to be sure long before the 14-day waiting period. While I knew the test required a swab up the nose, I can’t say I was prepared for just how long it had to be there and how deep it had to go…phew!!
For once, I’ve returned to America without feeling like the new kid on the block. Instead, I’m adjusting to the new American landscape right along with everyone else.
Lipstick and Face masks
I’m trying to get used to the new reality of wearing face masks and I must say it really cramps my style. Several times, I’ve applied my lipstick only to wipe it off as I headed out the door. A thirty-five-year habit is not an easy one to break!
I still like to use a little tinted lip balm because it keeps my lips from drying out and I just feel more like myself with some color. So today, I’m sharing a tip for creating an easy natural lip.
The trick to defining a natural lip is in the liner. For this look, I line my lips with a taupe eyebrow pencil. I bet you didn’t see that one coming! The taupe eyebrow pencil defines the lips without standing out like a typical lip pencil.
Why don’t you give this tip a try? I think you’ll be pleased with the results.
The last three months have been a lesson in gratitude. I have learned to recognize and rejoice over every small blessing; many of which I overlooked in the hustle and bustle of pre-quarantine life.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Though the landscape appears to change with each new day, I can count on God as my firm foundation and as the giver of perfect gifts. He knows just what I need.
~Shellie
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June 4, 2020
The Perfect Airplane Outfit | How To Dress For International Travel
The FAB Journey
If there’s one thing I know well; it’s how to dress for international travel! I have literally circled the globe countless times in the past twenty-five years. And, I must admit I’ve honed the perfect airplane outfit.
I can hardly wrap my head around it…I’m leaving Manila in a few days. It’s time to embark on yet another pan-Pacific journey back to America. In fact, I may even be in the air now if you are reading this post fresh off the press. If so, could you send up a prayer for God’s protection?
It’s not lost on me that I’ll experience something firsthand that few other people in the world will ever see. I am flying across the world during a pandemic…through empty airports and wide-open skies.
Why am I flying now? It’s time to go home…
I’ve been quarantined in my apartment for eleven weeks and now, I’m busting out in an epic way! Frankly, the thought is surreal and I have wondered if it would actually happen. In fact, I’m flying on one of the only international carriers still running flights out of our city.
The Perfect Airplane Outfit
While comfort and function are essential for long-haul airplane travel, that doesn’t mean you can’t look put together at the same time. The perfect airplane outfit has the following characteristics:
Dark fabric – You never know what you will end up spilling something on a long trip, not to mention what a flight attendant might actually spill on you (yes, it happens).
Stretch fabric – Airplane seats are uncomfortable enough. You don’t want to deal with restrictive clothing. But, beware of heavy or tight spandex for long flights.
Long top – Look for tops that fall well below your derriere. You may also want to go for short sleeves if you are hot-natured, then you can easily layer on a light jacket.
Light drape sweater- I bought this travel sweater years ago. It has a long front and short back. It’s amazing how many temperature shifts you have to deal with on a typical flight. I often start off warm and then freeze during the middle of the night. Some airports have the temp set on arctic blast, while others are set just above sweat.
Small cross-body purse – You don’t want to deal with your big purse on a long flight, nor do you want to lug it through an airport. Narrow down your essential items: lip balm, pick or comb, pain killer, moisturizer, passport/id, a small wallet with credit card & money, socks, and lozenges.
Comfortable shoes – Slip-on shoes are your best bet. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with laces…more about that later.
I think we all have an idea about comfort, but let’s talk a little more about function. I layer on a drape sweater for a very functional reason. Airplane bathrooms are small by any standard. The long ends of a drape sweater can be tied up before you enter, which makes sure nothing touches the floor…enough said.
Let’s also talk about shoe choice. You want to stay away from laced shoes if possible. Many security points require shoes to be removed and it’s already hard enough to wrangle your luggage and remove your electronics without having to worry about the shoes.
Actually, I would not typically wear ballet slippers on a long-haul flight. Why?…because I often like to take my shoes off when I am at my seat. I like to pack no-show socks in my bag and put them on after the flight is well underway. I prefer to fly in slip-on loafers that are roomy enough to slip my socked foot into for a trip to the restroom. No, this look is not particularly attractive, but it gets the job done with the least amount of hassle.
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There you have it…twenty-five years of travel knowledge packed into one perfect travel outfit! Not only is this travel outfit comfortable and functional, but it’s cute enough for meeting whoever is waiting for you on the other side.
“The Lord bless you
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”
I hope this post allows you to dream about a future day when travel is a possibility 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!
The post The Perfect Airplane Outfit | How To Dress For International Travel appeared first on The FABulous Journey.
May 29, 2020
Dance In My Kitchen | Shake Out Of It
The FAB Journey
I woke up the other morning with a good case of ditzy on the brain. I had actually set an alarm for an early morning Zoom call…well, I guess 9am is early if you have no other place to be. However, regardless of the set alarm and a calendar reminder, I managed to convince myself that the meeting was an hour later.
So, there I was waiting for my call, which was actually an hour ago…crickets. “Hey, I’m here,” I typed into the chat. Only then did the 10 am time stamp on my phone call out…”Hey Girl, you missed it!”
After scrolling through a full Facebook feed of bright-eyed avatars only to realize that the avatar function wasn’t available in the Philippines, I drug myself to the kitchen to put some chicken in the Insta pot. At least I would have SOMETHING to show for my morning.
A couple of minutes later my Insta pot let out an unfamiliar alarm…I looked over to discover the word “burn!” I had put the chicken in with no liquid. Phew…another misstep in an otherwise unproductive day. Well…except for the fact that I now know that my Insta pot will warn me before I burn the house down!
When’s the last time you’ve woken to a ditzy day? We all have them. Those days when we just need to shake out of it.
Shake Out Of It
So, what did I do to shake out of it? I cranked up the AC and Rascal Flatts, baked a cake, and danced in my kitchen. And you know what? It made me feel much better…and that piece of cake was really yummy too!
So, what’s the point of today’s story?…I…am…not…perfect. Yes, I write about makeup and clothes. I share words of encouragement and hope. And, I believe every single word. But, I am still just a girl who lives each day sustained by God’s grace.
It’s my heart’s desire that you recognize your worth as God’s daughter; that you understand that your value and position in God’s family has absolutely nothing to do with how well you dress or if your eyeliner is on straight…real life is not always perfectly combed or coifed.
Still, you can choose how you respond …when life gives you lemons, make some lemon cake!
I don’t do it all the time, but sometimes I need a bite of glazed lemon loaf cake and Stand by Rascall Flatts.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Give it a try…it’s a great combination. I’m so glad that God specializes in imperfect people.
~ Shellie
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The post Dance In My Kitchen | Shake Out Of It appeared first on The FABulous Journey.
