all for His glory.

As I sit reading on the balcony of our condo in Orange Beach, I realize that the author (James Bryan Smith) put perfectly what I have been striving to pursue over the past year. I am awakened to a new sense of healing. Healing of my heart and healing of my mind.

Tears streamed down my face as I read it aloud to my mom.

"When I get out of bed tomorrow morning, I will arise with the sense that I am okay. More than okay, actually. The world around me, the one I step into when I leave my house, will tell me that my value and my worth are found in my abilities or performance. But I know better now. I have died to that old way. I have risen with Jesus, who lives in me and loves me. In other words, I am safe and secure. The old me that needs to compete, to impress, to dominate and to control has died. I am putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of Jesus. I don't need to worry today. I am at peace, because my life is securely hidden in Christ. I will set my mind and heart on the victory of Jesus, my Lord and King and Teacher, who has created me for something wonderful." 

from The Good and Beautiful Community by James Bryan Smith (you can find it here)

As soon as I get home, I am writing that down on paper and sticking it on my bathroom mirror to read each morning before leaving for work.

Praise the Father for His Mercies!

Today is Easter Sunday. The day that we celebrate the resurrection of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
Jesus died on the cross... all for His Glory and our good. All because He loved us and wanted to save us from our own sin. He died for us so that we could become holy and righteous as our Father is Holy and Righteous.

May we remember this sacrifice, Jesus dying on the Cross, each and everyday of our lives on this earth. Waiting patiently for our future eternity in heaven with Jesus!

winter in spring. in looisiana'.

It is the fifth day of Spring and the low is 31 degrees. Gasp.

I had my Mint Candy Apple nails (by Essie) all ready to go, but tonight they were worthless. I decided to dress for winter because it felt like winter.

Here is an outfit I threw together for a friend + co-worker's (co-worker? I am so grown up!) birthday dinner. We had a delightful time! Happy birthday, Dana!

Sorry for such a serious face--I look miserable below, but I promise it was a good day!

 Jacket: Gap 

Striped long-sleeve tee: LOFT

Red skinnies: LOFT

Animal print infinity scarf: Michael Kors

Boots: Gianni Bini

Sunglasses: Old Navy ($14!)

Hopefully Alabama will have beach weather by Thursday! 

blessings. that i often overlook.

A dear friend of mine, Carla, told me about a 3 book series by James Bryan Smith that I should read. I didn't hesitate and immediately bought two of the three. I am now reading through the first one titled The Good and Beautiful God: falling in love with the God Jesus knows. Already I have been reminded of many truths.

This book is a "curriculum for Christlikeness." Its goal is to teach and actually train one how to become more Christlike through "soul training." Each chapter ends with a particular training to try for the week. I just finished chapter three and the "training" for this chapter was to "count your blessings."

I started writing.

Blessings---that I often overlook.

Jesus                                                     compliments
the Cross                                               coffee
the Holy Spirit                                       running water
new life                                                 fans on a hot day
forgiveness                                            paved roads
grace                                                     pizza
mercy                                                    having a childhood
love                                                       laughter
peace                                                     cool sheets
joy                                                         doctors
God                                                       vacuum cleaners
Creation                                                wisdom from elders
lady bugs                                               bike rides
birthday cards                                        the ocean
life-long friends                                     legs that take me places
sneezing                                                a child's smile
birds                                                      new socks
blue skies                                              the Bible
my 5 senses                                          our immune system
pop sickles                                            banana muffins
my car                                                   random acts of kindness
worshiping with other believers             swinging
sharpened pencils                                  encouragement
puppies                                                  nail polish
prayer warriors                                      morning greetings from my co-workers
candles                                                  community
pictures                                                  sunshine
education                                               solitude
nature                                                    naps in the afternoon
books                                                   warmth from a fireplace
rocking chairs                                       lunch with my grandmother
fishing                                                  water with fresh lemon
curiosity                                                faith
family                                                   people
hugs                                                     spaghetti squash

This is just the beginnings of my list of overlooked blessings.

you can find this book on Amazon.

happy 23 to me.

 These past few days have been a bundle of fun little birthday festivities.

This past Saturday, my mom and I went to the "big city" of Lake Charles 60 miles south of my hometown and had a girls day. We got a mani/pedi (I hadn't painted my toes since October--yikes!), did a bit of shopping, and then had lunch with my Mawmaw. My Mawmaw got me these unique gold earrings that she bought 15 years ago and had been waiting for the right person to give them to. How sweet of her!

After we got home later that evening, I had a huge craving for a banana with peanut butter. Most people wouldn't find this odd, but if you know me in the least you know one thing--I. Do. Not. Like. Fruit. Period.

I insisted on trying my bizarre craving of fruit and it was delicious! 23 years of life and I ate my first banana. :)

mom & i like stripes.

mint candy apple by Essie.

first banana. ever.

On Sunday I treated myself to my own birthday present....

A trip to Boston to see my cousin, Austin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Last time I saw Austin was in 2011 and we were traveling in Oxford. I cannot wait to see him in June!

Today is my actual birthday (March 19th). Unfortunately, I did have to put on my big-girl-pants and go to work! I have to say it is better when a class of 26 children sing happy birthday to you. My grandparents came up to have a delicious dinner that my momma cooked. Complete with boiled shrimp, sweet potato fries, baked zucchini and squash topped off with red velvet cupcakes. Yes, it was an array of sorts, but those were all the things I wanted to eat! And it was divine.

dinner cooked by the best.

cupcakes & flowers.

three generations.

daddy.

Along with all the love above, I also got sweet letters, gifts, voicemails, and texts from some of the sweetest people on this earth. One was especially dear to my heart....

one of my students. one of my friends.

Couldn't be more thankful for the kind words & love.

this one is for my friends.

I follow John Piper's blog.

Yesterday the post was titled, "How do I help my friends stay satisfied in God?" Since friends and family follow my blog I wanted to share what he had to say.

Pastor John recently tweeted, "Christian relationships have this as their goal: to help each other stay satisfied in God. To learn more about how this gets worked out in practice, we asked him. In part, he said this: 

It comes down to whether we taste and see that the Lord is good. I have said this to the church and I have said to pastors, and I have said to my wife. What I want from you, Noël, what I want from my staff, is for them to be happy in Jesus. The greatest ministry you can have to me is for you to enjoy Christ. And so I think when we turn that around and say, “Now how can I be the greatest blessing to the people around me?” The answer is: Get up in the morning. Go to the Word of God and, like George Mueller said, "Get your heart happy in God before you meet other people."

Words from a wise follower of Christ.

Happy Monday y'all.

in summary.

In summary, this was the phone conversation with my sister, Katelyn, earlier today.

Me: I don't have any stories because all I do is work.

Katelyn: I don't have any stories because all I do is work.

Me: I don't have any friends or talk to anyone so I don't have any stories.

Katelyn: Welcome to the Belvin family. All we have is miraculous stories about Jesus.

I laughed. 

feel the burn.

Yoga has been apart of my life for the past five years.

I can honestly say that I have seen an increase in strength and flexibility since I started. This past year I haven't been able to practice it as frequently as I would like because there are no classes in my town, but if I get to practice at least once a week I am pleased!

If you have never practiced yoga in your life--BE CAREFUL. You can easily pull muscles, twisting and turning, if you do not do each pose correctly.

The workout I did today I can thank my friend, Ilianna. She taught yoga while we were at Baylor and this workout has been one of my favorites ever since! (you can follow her here) This workout took me a little over one hour. I would say that this is a more advanced yoga workout. You can find beginner, intermediate, and other advanced workouts online. For most, if not every yoga pose, there are modifications.

My advice to anyone who is considering practicing yoga would be this: be patient and do not give up. I hated yoga when I first started. I promise it grows on you and you will love the way it makes your body feel & look!

Yoga Practice 1:

• 5 A series-- hold down dog for at least 30 seconds (pictures and explanations of poses here) 
• 5 B series (pictures and explanations of poses here)   
• Warrior sequence (here and here) I do not do the "humble warrior" pose. 
• Standing sequence (here) I also include "revolving chair, pyramid, and triangle" pose (on both sides).
• Inversions sequence (here) DO NOT try headstand if this is your first time practicing. 
• Spend your last five minutes completely relaxed. Lie on your back with your palms facing up and legs stretched out in front of you. If you relax your ankles and your tongue (I know that sounds weird) your entire body should be relaxed. 

Each sequence should take you about 10 minutes.

Here is a picture of all these sequences and poses! This girl is the real yogi.

Also, here is a post-run 10 minute yoga sequence (if you're a runner like me)!

Most gyms offer yoga classes. Call the gym nearest you to find out!

You do not have to spend a lot of $$ on a mat. Mine is from Wal Mart about $7.

I would suggest practicing in a quiet, still environment
if you live somewhere that does not provide yoga classes.
I use my back porch!

Everything is better outdoors.

I listen to Pandora. Choose your station!

P.S. I do not practice yoga for any other reason than to stretch and build strength. I always end each workout with a prayer to Jesus for giving me the mental and physical ability to practice!