It is a blah day and I was tired of jeans and yoga pants. And I wanted to feel pretty. So  I curled my hair, put on a skirt, and some heels and felt like a princess. (To all you girls sitting in jeans like me, you should try this sometime! ) I then decided to run outside and get my sis to snap some pictures. And this is the result. Because I’m cool er silly like that.

**Warning, you are about to see my personality. My bubbly/silly side that no one besides my close friends and family sees. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you.**

I warned you……

Don’t judge, I told you I was crazy.

However, the wind was against us. Not only did my curls turn into a big mess, but several photos turned into a  ”Marilyn” white dress moment. And it’s also one of the reasons that I prefer pants otherwise my skirts whip up….

I dance my way through life and when I fall, I pick myself back up.

Ignore my hair and the rolled up tank underneath. I need to chop all the hair off and I should have fixed that tank. I just wanted to show you one of my favorite necklaces. It reminds me to dream big and to believe. Don’t ask why, it just does. And I can’t believe that I just posted these  crazy photos….

What I Wore-

Skirt- Thrifted
Shirt- Thrifted
Tank-Someplace
Necklace/Ring- Fantasy Jewelry Box
Boots- Thrifted
Tights- Forever21

My sister and I stood out in the cold and took these photos, so don’t steal. I don’t like thieves, and these photos are un-edited and mine.

I stopped posting outfits simply because I feel like I have an inadequate sense of style and it just feels weird. But quite a few readers have commented and asked for them back, so I guess I’ll attempt it again.

I always go through the pictures and I catch glimpses of what I would have done differently if I had been shooting the photos. And I can think of a TON of things that are wrong with these photos, but here goes, I’ll try to do a outfit once a week or so for you all.

*******

This week I attempted boho style with jeans . I love the hipster/boho look. All that I needed was a feather headband, sandals, and an oversized bag and I have the look. It was too cold for that though, so I went with the WARM boho style.

My boots and accessories…….

What I wore-

Jeans- Macy’s
Shirt- Kohl’s
Jewelry- Necklace Shabby Apple, bracelet random.
Boots- Vintage, they where my great-grandmother’s.

All photos are un-editied and are mine so don’t steal.

By Rose H.

Busy schedule? Having trouble fitting in the time to make wholesome meals every day? Here are some tips to make your job a little easier.

If you have a freezer, cook ground meat and chicken off. Then put it into dinner portion size bags. Freeze and use later to save the trouble of having to cook it off when you need it.

Morning rush making you skip breakfast? Make a batch of muffins and keep them handy on the counter. Just grab and go.

Make a bunch of casseroles to make lunch easy as putting dinner in the oven.

For dessert make up cookie dough. Then take a greased cookies sheet and cover it with cookie dough balls. Freeze and then put them in a plastic bag. When you want fresh cookies just heat up the oven.

This may sound like a lot of work to begin with, but trust me for a days’ worth of work in the kitchen You can save yourself so much time later on. Instead of having to spend all day in the kitchen, you only have to spend an hour or two. Also you have less dishes to clean up after.

Just do whatever works best for you!

As a little girl I always never thought much about marriage. Well, I would play that I was a mother with my dolls and I would have a husband, but I skipped the wedding. (Then again, I would also play that I was a General in the army and my dolls were my soldiers) I was not a normal child.

For awhile when I was 12/13 all that I could think about was getting married, but as I grew older I saw more and more of my friends going on and on about when they would get married. And quite frankly I didn’t want to be one of those girls. So I slowly started to change my ways. Over time I stopped thinking obsessing about marriage. It took some time, but I finally realized and learned this lesson.

Here is a conversation between a friend and I awhile back:

Friend: I can’t WAIT to get married. Everything will be SO much better.

Me: Uh-huh.

Friend: Come one just think about it, everything will be PERFECT. I can’t wait till he comes along and sweeps me off my feet. **insert dreamy look on her part**

Me: **secretly rolling eyes** Um, yeah. That’s great, but marriage isn’t perfect! I mean my parents have an awesome marriage and they act like newly weds, but it takes alot of work to make a marriage work. And life just isn’t about getting married.

Friend: Whatever. Seriously, I don’t know why you can’t just be excited about it! I mean it’s marriage! It’s when my life will officially begin! It will be perfect.

I think that you get how the conversation went from here. She continued talking about how perfect her marriage would be and I just sat there listening.

This photo is mine so don’t steal. (Even though it’s a really bad photo)

See my friend has made marriage her idol. There is nothing wrong with wanting to get married and having kids, that is great! And it’s a part of God’s plan, but there is SO much more that you can have in life then marriage!

Let me ask you something, how old do you want to be when you are married? For some of us that age might have already gone by, but for the rest of us it’s coming up. You might be secretly feeling bitter about it or you can go on with your life.

When marriage becomes an idol it’s all that you can think about, it is your ONLY goal in life, and when you wonder if EVERY guy is the one. That is when marriage becomes an idol.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be married, we just need to be careful not to make it our idol. I’m going to make some of you gasp, but what if you are called to be single?

I am going to get off my soapbox, but I want to leave you with this- Learn to be happy when you are single and trust God. And who knows, maybe along your journey He might just send a man your way! Either way, being single is a gift. Enjoy it!

Don’t let marriage be your only goal in life. And don’t let it become an idol.

I think I come across as pushy alot of the time on my blog. And I just wanted to clear something up with you all, I know that I am opinionated, feisty, silly, and a bit too loud, but I’m really not. And I am SO sorry if I have come across that way.

I’m actually a very open minded person. Two of my close  friends are atheists and while we try not to talk about religion unless it’s brought up, we get along great. And I DO respect what my readers believe in and do. I may not have the same opinions as you, but I do respect you.

I’m afraid that my feisty nature kicks in alot of the time especially when it’s about something that I hate like Justin Bieber or Twilight. I am a very passionate person and once I start talking I don’t stop. I am trying to be less talk and more gentle.

So feel free to leave comments that differ from my beliefs. I’m working on being less defensive and having an open mind so talk away! I’ll listen. If I have offended you in any way, I am truly and deeply sorry.

I once thought about doing an article series where I wrote to a fictitious girl whom I am mentoring. I called her Jenny. Maybe if the readers of this blog really like reading my letter to her, more will appear. You never know.

Dear Jenny,

I hope this letter finds you well and safe.

I’m going to tell you something today that will be very useful to you if you employ it. Knowledge is nothing unless you act on it and use it for some greater purpose. And you have the power to do great good if you put your mind to it.

Don’t forget to stop and look around you. Sometimes we get so busy that we can’t see the beauty and love that surround us. As you walk down life’s road take time to stop and be still. Look around you and take a deep breath of fresh air.

This is as much a reminder to me as it is to you. I find myself many times running around in circles until I’m dizzy. But that isn’t healthy or good. You will run out of energy, and when that happens sin slips in.

Take time every day to rest. Slow down and listen for the voice of God. Whether it’s in a book, a friend, or the wind. God has hundreds of ways to speak to you. Just slow down enough to let Him do it.

And when He has spoken to you, you can go forward renewed and strengthen. Life may not always make sense, but I have found that even in the midst of some of my uncertainty and pain God has been more real to me then air.

So don’t worry. Take time with Him. Enjoy His creation. Frolic in what God has made. Taste the pleasures that He crafted.

You mentor and sister in the Lord,

Rose

This week we were asked by Write on Edge to write something based on this quote. And since it has been FOREVER since I did a prompt, I decided to do one again.

“The cure for anything is salt water….sweat, tears or the sea.”
~ Isak Dinesen, pseudonym of Baroness Karen von Blixen-Finecke

He pushed away his thick brown wavy hair as he ran. His heart raced in unison with his pounding feet as he ran along the dirt path in the forest.

It was as if the physical strain on his body made him forget about everything that was wrong with his life. As he ran he could feel the adrenaline pounding through his body. As the strain became too much for him and his breathing became heavier, he decided to slow down and took his seat on a nearby rock.

Brushing away the sweat on his brow and the hair that had fallen back into his eyes he breathed in the cool crisp fall air. He knew what his mother would say if she was here. She would tell him that sometimes you had to step into the waves before God would rescue you from the ocean.

But he didn’t want to think about God. Everything that was wrong in his life was because of God. It was God’s fault that his mother had died, it was God’s fault that his dad drank too much, and it was God’s fault that his older sister had run away from home a couple months ago.

Why couldn’t life just be easy? Why did it have to be so hard? And why couldn’t the pain just go away? He was too scared to let anyone into his life. Anyone that he let in was just taken away from him anyways, so what did it matter?

Sighing he got up and started to run home. He didn’t want to hear it from his father. At least not right now.

Image credit Google images.

I don’t appreciate or like thieves. All photos are unedited and are property or RJ Gould. OK??? Thank you.

RJ’s crazy, chaotic, busy, awesome life………

This week? It’s been crazy!!!! I’ve been trying to hang out more with the kiddies, and they really love it so it looks like I have to do that more often. I’ve also been busy with the usual stuff. (If you want an extensive list then leave a comment! LOL!) And it has been snowing like crazy here.

I also spent the week moving into my room and I’ll share pictures another time. This week I have barely had time to breath it’s all gone by so fast. I’m just so thankful for my Savior, my amazing family who keeps me level-headed, and my friends. You guys and girls rock. Random- Little brothers, big sis and mirrors? Awesome photo opps, especially if you add hair accessories.

Watching video’s on my computer together after school on a cold snowy afternoon. (I got up to take the picture)

These are my babies. And yes, people do ask me if they are mine.

Kitty helping and big brother watching over her. The handsome dude wasn’t too impressed with me taking his picture again.

Kitty dancing with her other older brother (Their favorite thing to do)

Louise reading as usual.

When you give a 15 month old a bag of chocolate he obviously tries to get it open.

My handsome boys making forts in the basement.

Cleaning up after lunch

Playing outside

Don’t be swayed by his adorable face. He is a destroyer.

Speaking of which, I should really get off this computer and eat lunch. Then it’s off to do some work and hang out with the kids.

Rose here.

Well we have had some lovely weather around here. Getting up into the 70′s (unusual even for Texas). This has given me plenty of time to take a lot of walks outside and enjoy the outdoors.

I’ve also been working on a lot of blog writing. Trying to get posts scheduled. This is fun and hard work. Sometimes I feel like I come to the end of my knowledge. Then God steps in and works with me to give me the right words. I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the months to come.

I typed THE END in my play yesterday. Really excited about that. Now the editing and clean up begin. And I look forward to it.

I’m also going to start preparing for teaching at co-op. Starting next Friday I’m going to be teaching at a homeschool co-op in our area. I love the people I get to be with and the kids I get to teach. It’s so much fun.

God has been so good to me this week. I keep asking Him to remind me of who I am in Him. He keeps reminding me. So even when I forget, He call me beloved.

Life is crazy and wonderful as always. And I look forward to every minute of it.

RJ’s note: It’s not fair that Rose is enjoying 70 degree weather while the rest of us freeze is it?? No, I didn’t think so. Love ya Rose! )

See you next week,

RJ and Rose

By Rose H.

When we get a stain on our dress or need to clean the computer screen, we grab the expensive cleaner and go to work. But did you know that there are a lot of cleaners that are already around your home. Here are just a few of them.

For cleaning computer and tv screens: A coffee filter will get off dust and if you have something on it, get a wet lense cloth and spot clean.

For polishing silver: Use banana peel or baking soda. Or for stainless steel you can use flour.

If you are having a bad ant problem: Sprinkle baby powder, chalk, or borax around the ants favorite hangout. Also don’t leave food on the counter.

For a grimy bathtub: Use some grapefruit and salt and scrub them in.

For sinks that are clogged: Try some baking soda and hot water before you use the chemical drain cleaner.

To get stickers (and all the sticky stuff they leave behind) off a hard surface: Get some vinegar or lighter fluid and gently rub off.

For getting rid of bad odors: Stick bowlful of baking soda in the fridge. It will absorb the bad smells. Or if you want your whole kitchen area to smell good, Put some vanilla in the oven and turn it on for a minute to make it smell like fresh baked cookies.

For Stains: Vinegar works well on many stains, for greasier stains you can use shaving cream.

So there you have it! A few household solutions that you can use instead of expensive chemicals.

By Rose H.

As promised, here is the second part to Can We Live And Let Live. Last week we talked about letting other people live the way God has called them to live. Today we are going to talk about how you warn a brother who is in sin.

First of all let me say that everyone is different. Before bringing grievances against a brother or sister in Christ, spend time with God and make sure your motives are pure. Make sure that you are doing it for them not to validate you or rationalize what you want to do. As I said before one size doesn’t fit all so we have to be careful about confronting our brothers and sisters.

Second go to the person in private. Not only is it what Christ said, but it’s not a good idea to start blasting people publicly, they won’t feel loved they will feel hurt.  If it’s a blogger or long distance friend, send an e-mail or ask that they not publish your comments with messages in them. But don’t start out by publicly tearing them down.

Third, always come from the standpoint of personal opinion. Be gentle. Show them what God has shown you, but don’t just present it as fact. Present as your side, not a mandate. More often than not, people will listen to you more if you present your thoughts as your thoughts instead of a this size must fit all. Just do it kindly.

If they won’t listen to you ask a Godly friend to come with you to talk to this person. If nothing else so someone else can be there to help you and make sure that your motives remain pure.

Then leave it up to them to listen or not, but go on with your life. Life is too short to spend most of it arguing with our family in Christ.

And ultimately know that if they won’t listen let God handle it. He will make them pay for what they have done. As He will make us pay for what we do.

Let us strive then to live as peace. To live in harmony and let others live the passions that God has called them to live.

I don’t appreciate or like thieves. All photos are unedited and are property or RJ Gould. OK??? Thank you.

Rose and I put our heads together and decided that we should post more personal things, so hear it goes! Every week we’ll be posting about what is going on in our lives. Let us know what you think ok???

From RJ’s view…..

Wow. My week has been crazy and hectic as always. Then again, when is it not?? Anyhow, this week was more chaotic then normal. **sigh** I need a hug…. The song “One Little Slip” summed up my week- It was a cup of good intentions, A tablespoon of one big mess, A dash of overreaction , and I assume you know the rest…..

I just bought the  NikonD5100 and I’m SOOO happy with it! Ladies, this camera is amazing! I thought that I might share my life in pictures for this first week……

Odie. The adorable Donkey at the barn who was begging me for mints…

My beautiful little sister

Blaze. My horse. He is incredibly naughty, dirty, and spoiled. He is also annoyed that I am not spoiling him…. (hey, I AM by taking pictures of you!!)

Coloring with my little brother. I love the blurry effect.

My sister Lousie (Yeah, she’s actually a teenager! She’s just short!) riding Blaze

A friend’s daughter riding her mommies horse

My incredibly handsome little (er big) brother who is stronger then me and can beat me up when we wrestle…..

Pizza that we bought for my dad’s 40 something birthday…… I could have used a fancy plate, but didn’t. Paper plates are so much better for pizza.

I’m cute, the baby of the family, I know how to get what I want and right know I want a cookie. See? See my smile? Please sissy, just a little cookie???

Yo, what’s up….

Cheesecake that we made

And a butchered melon as a parting picture

From Rose’s View

Well, Hello there. Welcome to my home. Come on and feel free to sit down and take a rest or if you would like we could take a walk on some of the walking paths through the woods (although it might be getting kind of cold down here in the lone star state)

I love my life. I never know what God is going to bring across my path, but I enjoy the journey.

This week I have been working on blogs. Having three to write for can be an overwhelming and fun chore to have. I’ve been scheduling out blog posts and working on keeping things updated. I also enjoy reading reader comments and staring at stats. Mine are never very high, but they always fascinate me.

I’m also working on the 1 Peter Project. Memorizing all of 1 Peter in a year. It’s fairly simple. I’m working on 1 Peter 4-5. It helps keep me in the word.

This year I wanted to start reading more. So I’m hoping to squeeze in a few chapters of Winged Life by Hannah Hurnard. One of my favorite authors.

And as always I’ll be e-mailing chatting and calling my friends. I love sharing fellowship with my fellow sisters in Christ and God gives me plenty of way to connect with them.

Well, that’s it for now. I’ll see you all next week.

Blessings in Christ, Rose

YAY it’s the weekend!! ***throws confetti and plays loud music**

RJ and Rose

I never used to like sci-fi. Usually sci-fi books are WAYY too boring and hard to follow. And having to put up with my brother’s watching Star Wars 24/7 cured any desire to watch sci-fi movies.

However, I’m slowly starting to fall in love with sci-fi movies and books. And Replication: The Jason Experiment, is a book that showed me that not all sci-fi books are dull and boring.

Abby was recently uprooted to Alaska long with her father whose a scientist and she has to learn to fit in AND deal with a pesky classmate named JD.

However, her life get’s really weird when she Abby meets a J.D. lookalike named “Martyr” aka Marty. And when she finds out that he escaped from her father’s lab, Jason Farms, where there are hundreds more boys who look just like him and are only distinguished by numerical codes given to them by cruel guards, she decides to take action.

But, the big question is, will Abby succeed in helping Marty and the other boys? And will she find a friend in Alaska?

Can I just say I really loved this book? I understood her frustrations while dealing with JD since I have several REALLY annoying JD”s in my life who can’t seem to understand that I’m not interested in them, but anyways back to the book.

Despite the fact that I am a girly-girl I’m also a tomboy and this book had just enough girl factor in it to make girls want to read it and enough action and suspense to make both guys and girls love it. It’s a great book and it has a permanent place on my bookshelf!

This book is a heartwarming story about a girl that is action packed. However I would recommend it for ages 16+. The story did have some romance in it, so if you don’t like that then this isn’t the book for you. But, I thought that it was cute and I liked it.

You can find this book on Zonderkidz; $15.99 in January 2012…..

Virtuous Girlhood received these products in exchange for writing a review. I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review. This review is my honest thoughts of the products and company. All opinions are my own and not impressed by monetary compensation. Virtuous Girlhood does not endorse nor agree with everything at the websites featured.

Hey girls!

Ok, so it’s 2012. And I want to know what you want us to post about!! If you could fill this quick survey out I will love you forever! (I’ll still love you even if you don’t!)

RJ

Homemaking Tuesday: A Time For Everything

Revised  from Ecclesiastes 3 for the homemaker.

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven

A time to be alone and a time to be together

A time to sow and a time to reap

A time to clean the dishes and a time to play with the kids

A time to dust the furniture and a time to enjoy the company

A time to sweep and I time to let the floor get dirty

A time to work and a time to rest

A time to respond and a time to be silent

A time to be busy and a time to step back

A time to keep and a time to give away

A time use discipline and a time to have mercy

A time for love and a time for hate

God has appointed seasons for everything dear sister. Let us let the seasons come and go.

So many teenagers today are listening to the lies of the world and are compromising their faith, purity, and lives. The even sadder part? Most of these teenagers don’t even realize that they are doing this. They only know the aftermath of their destructive choices.

Thankfully, more and more people are starting to help young women understand WHY it is important to live a pure life that doesn’t just include staying pure before your wedding!

This new book from Elsa Kok Colopy teaches young women why it is important to strengthen their relationship with God and how to demonstrate purity through everything that they do.

I can’t say that this book taught me anything new or that I didn’t already know, but I can say that this book DID remind me exactly why it is important to live a pure life. I really enjoyed reading this book and I think that it should be on every young woman’s bookshelf.

You can find PURE LOVE, PURE LIFE: Exploring God’s Heart on Purity through Zondervan, in January 2012 for $9.99

Virtuous Girlhood received these products in exchange for writing a review. I was under no obligation to review them if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review. This review is my honest thoughts of the products and company. All opinions are my own and not impressed by monetary compensation. Virtuous Girlhood does not endorse nor agree with everything at the websites featured.