Living Life With No Regrets

Recently, a stranger approached me and told me that I reminded her of that American Olympic gymnast. As soon as she said the word gymnast, I knew exactly who she had in mind; Shawn Johnson. Initially, this comment thrilled me. However, feelings of regret quickly filled my thoughts. These feelings almost always show up during the summer Olympics.

Let me explain. When I was in second grade a took gymnastics's at a gym in PA. (I think the gym was called Positive Fitness.) I loved every minute of it. However, these classes took time because they were over 20 minutes from my house and I think I went three times a week. I found out later how much money the gym cost. Even with all the extra costs I was the one who decided I didn't want to do gymnastics in third grade. My reasoning being, I wouldn't have the time. (at least that's what I remember thinking.)

Knowing then what I know now I think I might have made a different decision. Being 4'10" I am the perfect height and build for gymnastics. I still love the sport of gymnastics and wish I could do more gymnastics moves. (I've only mastered the cartwheel and the round off pop. -okay maybe not perfectly but I can do them without hurting myself.)

But the reality is I am not a world famous athlete. When I remember all of God's promises I know this wouldn't have been the best path for my life. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11. God has a special plan for my life and that plan is for good. His plan for my life is my hope. He holds my future. This verse holds so much beautiful truth. I am reminded that God is sovereign and in control. Not only is He in control, but He is good. Only God knows what would have happened if I had spent the last 11 years devoted to gymnastics. Although, I do know a few things in my life that would have changed. Many of the relationships I have made that have played such a huge role in developing who I am today. I most likely would have never been on a mission trip. I definitely wouldn't have gone to the college I am going to now. Moreover, I most likely wouldn't have discovered my love for the theatre. Most importantly, I am almost positive my walk with God and faith in Him would be much weaker.


To regret is to doubt God's sovereign will and perfect plan for my life. I must not waste my life wishing it had been different. Instead, I need to focus on what lies ahead.

My name is Shelley and I am a Clothing Glutton.

My blog has officially grown dusty. So this is me, pulling out the duster and making everything "ready for company". No, I have not forgotten about blogging I've just become lazy. That being said I'm not really sure what to blog about today.

So, I'm just going to share a little of what God has been teaching me lately.

I love to shop. Why or what I go shopping for never seems to matter. I sincerely love to shop. Unfortunately, my love for shopping reveals a deeper heart issue. If you come into my room you will find that I barely have enough room for all of my clothes. My closet is packed full of clothes, shoes, purses, scarves and more clothes. My dresser drawers are filled to the brim and almost never shut without a fight. Granted, most of these clothes were found at pre-used clothing stores (and I never grow out of anything) . However, I barely have enough days in the year to wear every outfit. Something is wrong when you can have a different outfit for every day of the month yet still think you somehow need more. It's not that I normally go around coveting. But when I go shopping or see something on pinterest I then begin to think of it as something I must add to my closet. When in reality, I don't need more. Instead, I need to focus on how I can creatively use the resources I have already been given.

So I've decided I am a glutton of clothes. That's possible right? I have also realized that I have not been the best steward of the clothing God has so graciously allowed me to possess.

Luke 12:27 says, "Consider the lilies, how the grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith"

In light of eternity, clothing plays a very small role. I have only been given a short time on earth to give back to Christ and I don't have time to worry about clothing. Yes, I believe it is important to always dress appropriately. But dressing appropriately does not mean being "the best dressed" or the "bell of the ball." Furthermore, even with all the time I spend on myself attempting to look the best, I never attain that level of success.

True beauty comes from within. Focus on abiding in Christ and He will produce true beauty in you that can only come from Him. That makes sense right? Why not let your Creator make you into the beautiful creation He always intended you to be. God is the creator of beauty, why not trust Him with what you wear both inside and out.

In conclusion, I have a fun challenge for all of you fellow clothing gluttons. Find a piece of clothing that you already own but hardly ever wear. If you are anything like me this shouldn't be hard. Take that piece of clothing and find new and creative ways to make this piece of clothing work. Do this whenever you are in the mood to wear something new. I did this today and quickly found joy in being content with what I have.

Have a blessed day!

Abiding in Him

Whew! This past week went by so fast. Last week was VBS at my church. Anyone has every been involved with a Vacation Bible School knows that VBS is a very tiring experience. Add work and trying to take care of a house and you barely have enough hours in a day.

When I first started out the week I was looking forward to a  relaxing week filled with "me time" and fun. But I was strongly mistaken. My mother, and brothers were in Texas with family for my brother's soccer tournament. That left my dad and me alone to fend for ourselves. At first this seemed like it would be a great adventure; going shopping, cooking meals, and keeping the house running smoothly in my mom's absense. However, within the first two days I quickly lost steem and my "adventure" lost its excitement. I soon realized that my dreams of quiet alone time were only dreams and how this week could end up being the busiest week of my summer.

 Looking back on the week I realize how much I was relying on my own strength especially the first couple days. I was trying to love the children in my class through my own resources and  thoes resources were quickly draining. I was becoming a "leaky cup". Thankfuly, about halfe way through the week God reminded me of my weekness and need to allow Him to fill me with his love and joy.

My week did not suddenly become easier but I did have strength to perserver and serve with joy. By walking with God and relying on Him, I was able to witness God's provision and power in my life. VBS was a blast and the gospel was shared with many young children who had never heard the Good News. Serving God and others with the right motivation always fills you with joy.

 I'de like to say that I had a warm cooked meal for dad every night but that never happened. However, we never went hungry! However, I did go grocery shopping -alone. That was an adventure. The house is still presentable and I'm now doing laundry. With all that being said, I can't wait for my to come back home. I will never look at what a mom does the same way again.

 I think this verse sumerizes what God was teaching me this week.
John 15:4 says "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me."

I can't bear fruit without relying on Christ.