Monday, November 30, 2015

The Black Dot


The following was sent to me in an email. I have no idea who started it, but it is good. If you happen to know, please let me know so I can give credit!

The Black Dot: A Beautiful and Inspiring Story!

This beautiful story has a simple, yet important message. I hope as 
many people as possible give it a read. I know I am happy I read it,
as it gave me a few things to think about in my own life. Sometimes 
it is the simplest of stories that make us ponder the most.
the black dot
 
the black dot
 
the black dot
 
the black dot
 
the black dot
 
the black dot
 
the black dot
the black dot
 
the black dot
 
the black dot
 
the black dot
 
 

Friday, November 27, 2015

Lilla Rose Black Friday Sale!

3 Day Black Friday Retail Sale!


20% Off Everything, including New Releases
25% Off select Festive Styles
30% Off select Holiday Styles,
30% Off prior Limited Release Items
30% Off Limited Release past FOTM's
50% Off Select Items

FREE SHIPPING on Retail orders over $50

Starting Friday November 27th, 2015 at 12am PST*
Sale ends Sunday November 29th at midnight Pacific

www.lillarose.biz/darcyc

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Lilla Rose Storage & Sale Announcement

My girls and I love our Lilla Rose products (which is why I became a consultant!) and were in need of a way to store them so we could easily see which we wanted to wear. One of my girls made this board for me. The verse at the top is 
1 Corinthians 11:15
But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
The cup at the bottom hold Lilla Rose bobby pins and hair sticks.



I share this to give you your own ideas on how to store your Lilla Rose products as well as to announce an upcoming sale--Black Friday Sale! Starting Friday morning and going through Sunday evening Lilla Rose is offering:

20% Off Everything, including New Releases

25% Off select Festive Styles
30% Off select Holiday Styles,
30% Off prior Limited Release Items
30% Off Limited Release past FOTM's
50% Off Select Items
FREE SHIPPING on Retail orders over $50


They are also releasing 26 new styles! 

Be prepared to visit my website and your some Lilla Rose products for Christmas gifts this year! They are great for girls/women of all ages!

www.lillarose.biz/darcyc


Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Faith That is Alive

James 2:21-26
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

This scripture gives us two examples of how our faith must be alive with works.

Abraham demonstrated his faith by doing what God said even though it meant putting his only son on the altar. He had faith that God would save Isaac or resurrect him.

Rahab also put feet to her faith when she hid the Israelites and trusted them to keep their word. She could have lost her life, but she trusted God would keep her safe.

Our works show our faith is alive just as our spirit shows our body is alive. Would people come to know Christ if Christians were dead? No! Let us be alive and do good works!


Monday, November 23, 2015

Run

Heb 12:1-2
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

In high school, I was a runner. I ran cross-country and track. One thing you learn early in running races is you don't worry about the person behind or next to you. You keep your eyes on what is ahead; you focus on that finish line.

As a distance runner, you also learn that you have to pace yourself so you have the energy to finish the race; you must run with patience. You also don't run with heavy clothes or heavy shoes; you "lay aside every weight."

Running is a great analogy of how we are to live life. Don't focus on past sins or problems. Don't worry about what the world (those around you) are doing. Pace yourself and focus on Christ.


Saturday, November 21, 2015

Choosing a Hard Life

Hebrews 11:24-27
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Moses chose to follow God over the riches of this world. He chose a life of hard work over a life of ease. He chose justice and freedom over power and prestige.

I pray I always choose God over worldly riches. I pray I choose hard work over the easy way. I pray I choose justice and freedom over power and prestige.

Living as Moses did might not be easy, but it is right. He did live in the wilderness before he experienced the burning bush. Sometimes we need to live in the wilderness before God tells us His plan.


Friday, November 20, 2015

Active Faith

James 2:14-20 
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

This world would have us consider someone a "good" person by what they do. If they don't break the law, are kind to others, and are charitable, then they must be good.

However, God has different standards. We know that we are all sinful and the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ



We must have faith in Christ. Works alone will not save.

That being said, we learn in this scripture that faith is shown by works. If we truly love Christ and follow Him, then we will want to do good works. We will want to clothe the naked and feed the poor.

Just knowing about God isn't enough (even Satan believes); we must also show our faith through works--our faith must be active!


Thursday, November 19, 2015

It is Time

Psalm 119:53  Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
Psalm 119:126  It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.
Psalm 119:136  Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

As I read Psalm 119, these verses stuck out to me in regards to the state of America. We are no longer a Christian nation. We will no longer be recipients of God's favor and blessing. Christians should be in horror at the way this nation mocks God's law. We should be crying out to Him because of the wickedness in this world. It is time for the Lord to work in the hearts of the wicked.


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Birthday Outfits

For every birthday, we get the birthday girl or boy a new outfit. Since most of the time they wear hand-me-downs, this is an opportunity for them to get something that fits their personalities. Years ago, I started making the girls' dresses as it was easier to find something within our budget, fit their personalities, and met our modesty standards.

Here are a few pictures of dresses I have made this year.

This is the first year the twins actually asked for the same
pattern and same material. Usually it is either same pattern
and different material or same material and different patterns.




She wanted a Princess Auroa dress. It didn't turn out
as nice as I wanted, but she loves it!

This was my first time working with tulle and
with making an overlay skirt. While it was a
little more difficult to work with, I like the end result.

Since I'm new to sewing pants and tailored shirts, I have been doing something different for my little man. In the past, I made him a bow tie. This year I made suspenders and a tie, but purchased the pants and shirt (and matching hat).


There is the rare occasion where I do not make anything. For example, my oldest this year was given a very pretty sweater (new) from someone and then a very pretty skirt from someone else and they matched so well that she said that she wanted to wear those for her birthday outfit.

Fortunately, I didn't have to purchase any of the material used this year for any of the outfits! We have been blessed with people giving us material they either bought for us or had themselves but never used. I also didn't need to purchase buttons, ribbons, lace, thread, etc. The only thing I purchased this past year for their outfits is elastic and the clips for my son's suspenders.

I would love to hear if you sew clothes for your children and your reasons behind doing it.


Friday, November 13, 2015

The Battle is Not Yours

2 Chronicles 20:12 & 15 b

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

There will be times in our lives when we feel we are in a great battle. It may be a physcial battle (finances, health, etc.) or a spiritual battle (faith, depression, etc.). In either case, we need to remember that God is with us. We need to admit that we don't have the power to succeed, but we know the one who does--God--and we need to keep our eyes on Him and allow Him to do His work.

He will tell us not to worry because He is in control. It isn't a fight we need to fight. The fight belongs to Him.

So, when you feel you are up against a great multitude, keep focused on God and step back and follow His lead.


Thursday, November 12, 2015

God's Mercy

James 2:10-13
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

God gave the Israelites the Law, but He knew they could not keep it so He sent His Son to save us. He showed us great mercy in that one act. Instead of judging those of us who have accepted Christ's spilled blood for our sins, He will show us mercy.

There is no way we can keep the law. If we fail in just one aspect, we have failed in them all. We have all lied at least once in our lives (more like once a day!). We may not have murdered anyone, but we are just as guilty as someone who has. But praise God, He shows mercy!

We need to also show mercy to others as we have received mercy. Showing mercy is the ultimate form of loving our neighbors as ourselves which is the new law Christ gave before he died for us.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Love Your Neighbor

James 2:5-9
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

The world tends to uplift the rich and famous and put down/oppress anyone who is not. They despise the poor and do not seek ways to truly help them or encourage them.

Anyone who calls themselves a child of God is called to love their neighbor as themselves. To truly do that, you must not treat one person better than the next. You must treat all people equally. If you are constantly uplifting those whom society deems worthy and ignoring everyone  else, are you truly following the royal law? Are you not going against what God says and thereby blaspheming His name?

May we all strive to show Christ's love to everyone and love our neighbors as ourselves.



Tuesday, November 10, 2015

All Things Common

Acts 2:43-47
 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

I believe this section of scripture provides a good description of how a church should truly be.

The word 'fear' means to be in awe of God. As Christians we should not be scared of God, but should have respect for how great He is.

 The church was unified. Not only did they worship together, but they "had all things common." They were "with one accord."

They cared for one another. If someone else was in need, they shared of what they had.

They fellowshipped together. They were together in the temple and they ate meals together.

The church should be disciplining, caring, evangelizing and serving.

Can we become the church modeled in Acts?


Monday, November 9, 2015

No Partiality

James 2:1-4 
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

If you are truly a follower of Christ, then you can not show partiality of people. God created all and it is not up to us to show favor to one or another. Just because someone seems "higher" due to worldly standards, does not mean they deserve more respect than someone "lower" according to worldly standards.

God made each of us; therefore, we each deserve love and respect of person. Every person, regardless of earthly standing, has worth because she is made in the image of God. Let us not be judge of who is worthy, but let us show love to everyone.


Friday, November 6, 2015

Stand Out

James 1:26-27
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

When we are saved, one evidence of a true conversion is our speech. We should be kind and loving when we speak and show grace and mercy with our tongue.

Other evidences of our faith are shown in how we treat the orphans and widows and our purity. We should stand out in contrast to how the world is. People should be able to see something different in us and our behavior.


Thursday, November 5, 2015

Praise the Lord

Psalms 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalms 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalms 107:21 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
Psalms 107:31 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

In scripture, if something is repeated, we should take notice. In this case, it is said four times in just one Psalm!

The Lord wants us to thank Him for the goodness He shows us. Don't you feel good when someone acknowledges you and thanks you when you've done something for them? Don't you think God would also appreciate the same?


Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Be a Doer

James 1:21-25
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed

We are called to put away our old self (filthiness and naughtiness) and accept Christ (the Word) as He is the only way to salvation. Once we do that, we need to put into practice what He says. It is not good enough to just hear or read HIs Word; we must live it!

If we are not doing God's Word, then we are missing out on blessings. If we hear the law (His Word) and abide (continueth) in it, then we will be blessed. God didn't give us His law to punish us or restrict us, but to protect and free us.

To truly experience all He has for us, we must be doers.

Romans 2:13
(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

To truly be His child, we must be doers.

Matthew 7:21 
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

We must walk our talk!





Tuesday, November 3, 2015

War Room

Hebrews 4:14-16
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

War Room was a very powerful movie for me. It convicted me that not only was I not spending enough time in prayer, but when I did pray, it was often just surface prayers. I wasn't feeling worthy to be at God's feet so I was reluctant to ask for things of great value.

What we need to remember is Christ came to earth, suffered the same temptations, and went to the cross as a spotless lamb so we could go to the throne of grace where God will show grace and mercy.

I am committing to God, myself, and others to become a prayer warrior. While I don't have the space in my home to devote an entire room, I am making a spot into my prayer spot where I can go to the King and combat this world with prayer.


Monday, November 2, 2015

Hear and Understand

James 1:19-20
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

"hear"-Greek-akouo = hear or understand

We should try to understand where someone is coming from at all times. We shouldn't just assume anything but seek understanding. In order to do that, we have to keep our mouths shut and listen--truly listen. When we spout off in anger, we often cause the other person to retaliate in anger. The end result is not anything that glorifies God.

To worketh the righteousness of God we must seek to understand and show mercy and grace just as Christ Jesus did for us.