great good friday!!!

So I know I haven't posted in like a gazillion years, but today I'm feeling very ambitious. Today is Good Friday and let me tell you, it's been more like a GREAT Friday!! Here are the reasons why:

1. A day off with no obligations!! Shazam! (side note : that word is not used enough)
2. Panera hazelnut coffee. Yes please.



3. This organic lemon drop EOS lip balm I scored at Wally World for like $2.



4. These babies were on sale at Target. Holla!



5. This little lovie was on sale at American Eagle (this is the back view - a little scarfy thingy ties in back) Love it!!



6. The nail salon where I occasionally go now does something called "shellac-ing". Yeah, I'm not sure what it is either. All I know is the lady painted my nails and literally 2 seconds later she sprayed them with something and wiped them dry with a paper towel. No smudges. No nicks. Nothing. Dry as a bone. She said I should be good for 2-3 weeks without any chipping. I'm holding you to that, lady.

7. I have an appointment with my beach chair later this afternoon. Bliss.

8. I started the day out with these 3 things

paradise candle by root candles

peppermint tea

my lifemap

And this song...



9. The gift of answered prayers and my life continually changing because of JESUS! (more on this to come in a later post....hopefully soon) :)

10. As I mentioned before....it's Good Friday. As a kid, I loved this time of year. The beginning of springtime. Easter dresses. New white shoes. Pretty pastel things. As I grew up Easter still meant a lot to me, but it lost some of its charm that only a child's perspective can bring. Don't get me wrong. I love Easter! But sometimes after all is said and done, I'm left thinking...."Man, I'm exhausted!". For many (myself included), Easter is a time of busy-ness. It's a good busy (if there is such a thing), but still busy. You know...meal preparations, family outings, baskets, egg hunts, early morning church services, play practices, music rehearsals, etc. etc. etc. All this is well and good, but this year (for the first in a long time) I'm not that person. I am doing a few of the things mentioned, but I'm not busy-ing myself with them. Make sense? This year I feel as if I am that little girl again, excited about Easter, but for very different reasons. No longer is it dresses, shoes, and pretty colors. My delight is in the ONE who made me. Who gave HIS life for me. Who took my pain and shame and nailed it to the cross. I'm excited for the celebration!! Can I get an amen?? :) This morning in Matthew I was reminded of the suffering CHRIST endured for me on the cross. This Easter season I am so aware of what HE did for me. Of the price HE paid. And the fact that because of what HE did, I am forgiven. I am free. I am whole. How could I not worship the GOD who's given me life? How could I not give HIM all HE deserves. No matter what happens. No matter what I go through. I know that HE has been through it all. And that, my friends, is what makes this Friday (and every day) so GREAT!!