A Year in the Past

Seriously...Seriously can not believe that 2010 is over!  This morning as I was reading other friends blogs on what they are looking forward to in 2011, I went back and read my blogs to see what all I have accomplished in 2010.   I surprisingly enough a lot has happened in this past year.

1. First my last years resolution was to run a 10k---check!!!
2. I moved out of my parents house to Hickory, NC
3. I have become aware of how much money I use to spend---ouch!  And this year I have learned the value of a dollar...seriously a big lesson learned.
4. I have a new roommate who has become such a good friend.
5. Two of my best friends had babies!!  Elouise, and Paxton
6. I am now the proud owner of Thad & Louise Boutique at the Union Square Emporium.
7. I have humbled myself by working at Starbucks and had to grin-and-bear wearing an apron, visor and tennis shoes everyday to work.
8. I finally went to my first Mary Kay seminar in Dallas, TX and can't wait to go back this year.
9. Christy and I have turned the LRU Spirit program around and received first place at camp.
10. And my little sister, Shelby,  got married!!!!

There are so many more but those were some top 10 memories.  This year my resolution it to work my Mary Kay business a lot more.  It is the one and only way I know I can make more money and have more time for myself.  I want to host 11 parties in January and sell $1100 (which is way low for 11 parties).  And recruit 11 people before March.  Whew!

What were some of your accomplishments?  What are you planning to do for 2011?  

Travel with me this year and thanks for taking a walk in my shoes~

    

Breaking Down

Today I don't know if you really want to come take a walk in my shoes.  I have been loving living in a new town, pursuing my dreams, and doing what I love.  But have you ever felt like you have way too much on your plate?  My two jobs that pay the least are the ones I love the most!  And one of them pays so little I consider it volunteering.  I literally broke down crying at a grocery store and gas station today when they wouldn't accept my gift card. haha.

Now I know I am not the only person who is going through a hard time during this economy, but this is the first time it has really hit me.  For the first time in my life I did not know if I was going to be able to pay my rent! I even got rid of my cable!!!  Big step for me...I love E! 

All this to say I don't know what I would do during this time without my faith.  God somehow keeps giving me enough "bread and fish".  Here are some verses that have helped me and if you are going through the same thing might help you as well.  

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30
²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:2-8  So come take a walk in my shoes and "Praise God in the Storms" -Stetson in Stilettos-

My New Goal

I am NOT going to buy any more clothes until my credit card is completely paid off!!!  How bout them apples :-/  (we will see how this goes)

Dance Your Life Dance

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to own a store near the beach.  When I would dream about my life I would vision myself on a store near the beach welcoming the travelers.  I would enjoy learning about their lives and why they were in town visiting the small coast.


Today is one step closer to my dreams becoming a reality.  I have been living very comfortable in a small town free of rent since I moved back in with my parents 2 years ago. I just quit a job at our local YMCA which provided me the safety of salary and benefits.  Yikes!!! My parents were not too happy at first. 

I am moving to another town in NC to pursue my dream of opening up my own boutique.  And because God is so good He also opened up a door for me to be able to coach the dance team and cheerleading squad of Lenoir-Rhyne University. 

I will now not be living so comfortable financially but I do live comfortable knowing that God is opening doors for me to take risks and follow my dreams.  It is not going to be easy and I'm prepared for the let downs, tears and life lessons I will be learning along the way.

I thank God for giving me such strong support at home.  I have been blessed to have great mentors along the way at The Tapestry Group and the YMCA. 

Sometimes you have to forget what the world tells you to do and don't listen to the nay-sayers in life.  You have to dance and follow your dreams.

Lenoir-Rhyne University To Introduce Spirit Program For 2010-11 | LRBears.com

Yet another venture I am taking on in my life. Hey, you gotta do what you love or you will never be happy! Check out the link below for more information on cheerleading and dance team try outs for Lenoir-Rhyne University!!!! Go Bears!!

Lenoir-Rhyne University To Introduce Spirit Program For 2010-11 | LRBears.com

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

Have you ever been frustrated at where you are in your life? That was a dumb question...I know we've probably all been there. But lately I just feel like I am at a stand still. I'm frustrated that I still live with my parents but so so so grateful that God has blessed me with amazing parents that are easy to live with and some of my best friends. I am frustrated with having four jobs, but I am also thankful that I have a job at all in this tough economy. I have also been getting frustrated that none of my plans for my life are happening the way I planned.

I know that last statement sounded very selfish, but honestly this is how I feel sometimes. I have to remind myself of Jer. 29:11 "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." This verse is very popular and I know a lot of people who say it to themselves daily, but really take time and say it out loud 3 times....no really go ahead and say it 3 times out loud for real. Now don't you feel better?

I may not know why God always puts me in the situations that He does, all I know is I need to please and praise him in everything that I do. It may not be my will but it is His. There is no reason I should ever complain about anything. God has blessed me with so much...but I'm only human right?

I am blogging this to apologize to God for being ungrateful and to share my journey so you can take a "walk in my shoes"

-Stetson in Stilettos-

Me O'Clock Time!

After a crazy week at work I have thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday morning to sleep in. Most mornings my body clock wakes me up at the regular 6am and I end up watching Saturday morning infomercials that seriously pull me in. This morning I was so happy to wake up to my clock reading 9:30am.

My healthy lifestyle journey has gotten me in the habit of working out on the elliptical or running on a treadmill everyday. After drinking my cup of green tea I got on the elliptical and busted my butt to get a great workout in today. My dad is away on a coaches clinic in Orlando so I have decided it is the perfect time for a girls weekend!

I have invited 3 girls over to play Cranium, Bananagrams, eat a lot of "healthy" food and start a marathon of GLEE!!!! I know I have written about this before but it is so nice to get away from all the stresses in life and have some "me time".

I am starting this new year off right by eating healthier, working out more, taking more time for myself, spending more time with my Savior Jesus Christ, and not letting the craziness of the world get to me. I encourage you to do the same. Do something for yourself today that will make you relax and smile. It is great medicine for the soul!