For You (Be Fearless)

Letting Go of Fear -or- Give It Over to God

Come closer dear reader…closer…closer…BOO!

What scares you? I mean really scares you? Is it spiders, mad dogs, criminals, being alone, death, illness, the economy, nightmares, lunatics, loneliness, the nightly news, war, fire, the end times, what? I used to be a major worrywart. You name it (like all of the above), I would worry over it. I’ve heard it said that worry is like a rocking chair – it’s something to do, but it gets you know where. That’s so true…I could even acknowledge this truth amidst my great worry, but you know what, I still worried. This clever quote didn’t stop my mind from roaming into terror-filled thought patterns. I can remember thinking, ‘I just wish there was a switch I could flip…one that would stop me from fearing…everything.’


My anxiousness rose to extremely high levels back in 2008. I had been betrayed by someone who was supposed to care for me, someone I was supposed to be able to trust. All this hurt & fear swelled up inside of me & I lost my faith & trust in so much. My fears were rarely rational: I would worry whether or not some crazy person had tampered with a bottle from the store; I worried about my house burning down when my family & I would go out; I worried about burglars; I would worriedly walk the floor when someone was running late; I feared the possibility of illnesses. I worried & worried & worried.


I knew in the Bible God told us, His children, not to fear or be anxious (see THIS post), but just like the rocking chair quote, I still feared. I didn’t voice many of my worries to others; I continued with my daily life (that was now in a gray shadow), but fear lay inside of me…brewing at every opportunity. Heavens, I even worried about worrying! I knew it was wrong to worry, which made it even worse. Guilt was creeping in now, & a feeling of ‘Why couldn’t I stop this?’ I prayed many times, bringing it before the Lord, but worry still found its way in by some unmarked door.


I can remember a week in college (2008), when my mom & stepdad were away on a trip, & I was home alone. One night my irrational anxiety led me to fear that something was physically wrong with me, & on top of that I was afraid to close my eyes in sleep in case someone was to break in & I didn’t hear them (I know wild, huh?). I knew these fears were from the devil, trying to shake me from the hope & peace found in Jesus, but the fear at that moment was real to me. I prayed out loud to my Father asking Him to deliver me. I sang songs to Him through tears. Somehow He delivered me through that scary night. Prayer (mine & others for me), His Word, & seeking His peace & help got me through the fearful darkness.  Bringing my fears to Him & leaving them in His mighty hands was just what I needed to do. 


Today, two years later, I am finding my freedom & peace in Christ Jesus daily. Worry still comes knocking, but I hold onto to my King & His words of peace, safety, & love. It isn’t always easy, but it’s the only way to truly live & live for Him. This world is truly frightening without the hope of everlasting life in Jesus. If you do not know Him, I encourage you to visit the “Good News” page &/or open up a Bible & find a Bible preaching church. You don’t have to go on this journey alone; God wants to hold your hand & lead you through. Courageously letting go of fears is a part of finding the true trail He has in store for you. It isn’t easy, but there is safety in the shadow of His wings & courage in His Word.  Choose to let it go...say 'no' to fear!


Love & Fearlessness,
-Bess-


“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.”
-Philippians 4:6-7


“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7

A Saturday Tutorial (Oh My!)

Happy last Saturday in October to all! Okay, so I know I missed this week’s Tuesday Tutorial [biting my lip in angst while I type]…but I had a good excuse – or many good excuses. You see, my mom had surgery on Monday (she’s doing pretty good – thanks so much to those who have prayed for her); I was sick all week with some horrible cold something or other, yet still trying to take care of her; at work I learned my position is changing into something new; & my oldest sister is struggling (please pray for her & all of us if you feel led to do so). So, you can see, I had my plate full [biting my lip less now & blowing a stray hair away from my face in frazzle-ment]. I thank God each night that He has gotten me through another day. But, thankfully =), today I am able to take a breather & craft with you… I love these times of sweet respite! Onward to the tutorial…


In my last posting I listed some of my favorite Bible verses dealing with fear…& more specifically the abolishment of fear. God’s Word is one of our greatest defenses against our struggles. It’s all true & all given to us by God. Wow! It’s quite amazing if you think about it…I mean really think about. What other book was provided by the Creator of the universe for His creations? Reading the Bible, memorizing verses, & having certain verses nearby & handy is a great way to combat the tough stuff of life, like fear. Today’s crafty [Saturday] tutorial is all about just that!

What You Need:

-computer/printer/printer ink (of course=) (or you could use markers, colored pencils, etc. to handwrite the Bible verse(s))

-this post or your Bible

-8 ½ X 11 scrapbook paper (you could use smaller-sized paper, but you’d need to adjust your printer & your typed words)

-frame (optional)

Directions:

Using the verses against fear from my previous post (or your Bible), choose one or more that really speak to you that you’d like to use in your picture. Copy & paste the verse(s) & personalize the font, size, & color (make sure the size will fit in your frame & that the color will show up well on your scrapbook paper). You may also want to type up the word(s) “fearless” and “courageous” in bold print on your paper. Print out, cut down to size, & place in your frame. Place somewhere that you’ll see it often, & remember God doesn’t want us to fear! With Him we don’t have to! I love that, now I just have to keep reminding myself with my Bible verse print.

Love & Courage from His Word,

-Bess-

A Sword Against Fear

God's Word is our sword...

“Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
–Deuteronomy 31:6


“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod & Your staff, they comfort me.”
–Psalm 23:4


“I sought the LORD, & He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”
–Psalm 34:4


“He will cover you with His feathers, & under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield & rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
–Psalm 91:4-7


“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
–Psalm 118:6


“The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” –Psalm 121:6


“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence & will keep your foot from being snared.” –Proverbs 3:24-26


“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you & help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
–Isaiah 41:10


Jesus speaking: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?...Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” –Matthew 6:27 & 34


Jesus speaking: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul & body in hell.” –Matthew 10:28


Jesus speaking: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” –Matthew 10:29-31


Jesus speaking: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled & do not be afraid.” –John 14:27


“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” –Romans 8:15 (Abba is the Aramaic for father. As Christians, God is our perfect Father.)


“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [& women] of courage; be strong.” -1 Corinthians 16:13


“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.”
-Philippians 4:6-7


“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love & of self-discipline.” –2 Timothy 1:7


“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” -1 Peter 5:7

These are only a small sampling of a great many verses on fear...if God thought it so important to mention it so many times, He truly must want us to hear!  So, don't be afraid He is with you & will get you through.  I hope one or more of the above will be remembered when fear begins to threaten.  If we are in Christ, His peace can be ours.  He's given it.  Have any Bible verses that help you when you're afraid?  Feel free to share; we'd love to hear 'em!

Love & Fear Slaying,
-Bess-

P.S.: I'm sorry I missed this week's Tuesday Tutorial!  I've been under the weather =( this week + helping my mom recover from surgery.  I'm planning on posting a special Fear Week themed tutorial tomorrow or Sat.!  Love ya! 

The Start of Fear Week

These last seven days in October seem like a good week to address the topic of fear. So, join in for Bess’ Bag’s Fear Week! If you dare…


Can you imagine what it would be like to live in a place where going to church meant meeting secretly in someone’s home; where Bibles had to be smuggled as if they were horrible drugs; & wearing the name Christian coincided with danger? Perhaps you do know, because you live in one of these places. Know we – your sisters & brothers in Christ all over the globe – are praying for you. Stand fast & firm, confident in Christ & who He is: Savior, Redeemer, & giver of life eternal.


Many of you, like me, don’t reside in one of these areas of persecution. Do you find yourself, as it were, tiptoeing through the tulips…happy with your group of Christian friends & church activities – no need to rock the boat or, gasp, get out of it & walk on the wild waves? It seems it is so easy for us who enjoy the freedom to worship & serve the Lord Jesus Christ to get into a comfortable groove, that is just that, way too comfortable. We adore mediocrity & avoid unwanted confrontation like the plague. We fear telling others about the everlasting Hope within for fear of ridicule, sneering laughter, or what the others will think. We hide our Bibles to avoid offending anyone or any of the other above mentioned risks. It’s interesting that in a land so free we should feel so stingy with our freedom. We should share, show, & yes, live out our relationship with God at every opportunity. What stops us? Fear. A small four letter word stops us in our tracks.


I wonder about all my sisters & brothers who live in areas of Christian persecution. They face all of the above mentioned fears that we face when stepping out to share God’s Word, but not only that, they face beatings, torture, imprisonment, threats/attacks upon their family, & even death. I wonder if some of us mediocre, tiptoeing-through-the-tulips Christians were transported to these lands if our faith would stand firm. Would we stand up for Christ then, in the face of so much danger, when we can’t stand up for Him in the place of so much freedom? It’s interesting to think about, & it’s even more interesting to stop thinking & start doing… Doing “the thing we think we cannot do” as Eleanor Roosevelt said. Here’s what God says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men [& women=] of courage; be strong.” -1 Corinthians 16:13. So, fear or no fear, let’s get out of this boat & proclaim the Good News! Lost & lonely people, with their eternity on the line, are searching!

I heard one Christian missionary from a poor persecuted country say, after visiting the USA for a few weeks, that he was ready to go back to his home...quickly...because he said that it was becoming too comfortable here.  In his homeland he had to rely on his faith to sustain him & get him through.  He said it was too easy to forget that here where there was so much.  We must be careful to not get too comfortable on this journey.   


I hope you’ll enjoy this film, based on true events & presented by Voice of the Martyrs (a special organization which supports & assists persecuted Christians around the world – visit them HERE). It’s low budget, not fancy pants, but it’s good. Without further ado: Agent Abbey…








I encourage you to be brave & obey those silent nudgings to go & speak to someone or do something for someone in Jesus’ name, to pray & read your Bible in public places. I have truly struggled with this myself, so I’m just as much (perhaps more=) seeking to encourage myself to be bold about the love of Jesus in me. Let’s do these scary things knowing we are pleasing the One who gave His life for us!

Love & Fear Abolishing,
-Bess-


P.S.: Please pray for Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani & his family. Pastor Youcef, a Christian in Iran, has been said to be sentenced to death because he stands up for his faith. He is a strong example of standing for Christ amidst great persecution…even unto death.


“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt

"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"
-Psalm 118:6

Bess' Autumn Lookbook (Leaflet 3)

..European Tour..

France

Scotland

Germany

Italy

Czech Republic

Autumn Treat: Photo Freebie at Walgreens

Get a free 8 X 10 collage print at Walgreens!

Go to www.walgreens.com & head to their online photo center.  Sign in or sign up (if you haven't already - it's free), & create an 8 X 10 collage print with your own uploaded photos.

Use the online code: 8X10TREAT + choose "in store pickup" so you don't have to pay shipping charges.

Sweet as candy corn!

Expires quick so hurry - Oct. 23, 2010

Love Ya,

-Bess-

Tuesday Tip: 10 Fun Things to Do in the Fall

1. Take a stroll outside & listen for the pleasant crunch of leaves. Whether you hit the hiking trail, park, neighborhood sidewalk, or your own backyard get out & enjoy the beautiful handiwork of God – the greatest artist ever (+ no art museum ticket purchase necessary)!


2. Make pretty leaf rubbings. Gather up some leaves (maybe when you go on your above mentioned walk=). Then, lay your leaves under a sheet of printer paper (or other thin paper) in a design or pattern. Shade over them rapidly with a colored pencil. Ta da! Lovely autumn art!


3. Read a good mystery novel. This time of year is perfect to snuggle down & fall into a chilling tale of mysterious goings on. I, of course, recommend Nancy Drew + some vintage mystery titles from author Judith St. George. Check your local library for more.


4. Try a sip of hot apple cider, a slice of spicy pumpkin pie, a handful of sugary candy corn, or some other fall-ish fare. Yum eats!


5. Make a cozy no-sew fleece cape with Disney’s tutorial over at "Ruffles & Stuff."

 
6. Rake up those colorful remnants of autumn for your family &/or neighbors who aren’t able to on their own. Be a willing servant to others in Jesus’ name!


7. Count your blessings! “Name them one by one” as the old hymn reads.


8. Check your local area & see what special seasonal activities are available. From hayrides, pumpkin patches, cornfield mazes, apple orchards, & church fall festivals find something fun for the whole family & make some memories.


9. Paint a pumpkin! Give it a silly face, your family’s initial, house number, or whatever. Get creative! (That sounds strange…get artsy with vegetables.=)


10. Mail someone you love a fall greeting, complete with pressed leaves (from nature / sandwich leaves in between a heavy book to press). Just think how surprised they’ll be to open up a card & have colorful autumn leaves fall out!

Bramblewood's Modest Fall Fashion Week: Day 6

Oh, I'm sorry I missed day 5 (yesterday)!  I was busy with this, that, & the other (Those 3!  Argh!=)!

 
Day 6: Viva la Vintage

What I've donned...

-white button down shirt --- French Toast --- Target (kids dept.=)

-gray & yellow striped sweater --- Pink Twill --- yard sale

-blue jeans --- Mossimo --- Target

-multi-colored cutout flats --- vintage --- yard sale

-seed bead statement ring --- yard sale (I've rarely worn this cause it's so big!)

..Retro Rewind..

Peace & Groovy Love,

-Bess-

Bess' Autumn Lookbook (Leaflet 2) + Special Announcement

Here's the News...
I've added what I like to call "Bess' Modest Style Mixer" to the bottom of the blog!  Using handpicked wardrobe pieces you can create custom combinations for modest style inspiration!  If you have a Polyvore account you can even publish your creations for all to see!  Don't have a Polyvore account?  No sweat, you can still have fun making fashionable sets, they just won't be savable.  Go on, create a fashion plate on Bess' Bag!

Enjoy!

-Bess-

P.S.: Be wise with your time & make your fashion plates God pleasing!

P.P.S.: I'm already thinking of the contest possibilities here!

Bramblewood's Modest Fall Fashion Week: Day 4

Day 4: "Happy"-ness!

What I've donned...

-white sweater --- George --- yard sale

-"Happy" embellished tee --- Cherokee --- Target

-jeans --- Mossimo --- Target

-fringe-y boots --- Old College Inn --- Goody's

"Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!"

-Psalm 144:15

No, the above doesn't equal a trouble-free, easy going life.  There will be heartaches, deep valleys, & tears (see John 16:33), but with God as our Guide & mighty King, we will find solace in His faithful promises & tremendous immeasurable love.  We who follow Him will be happy - we have an everlasting hope!  These painful trials we endure will not last forever!  That makes me smile...which makes me happy!

In Christian Love (& Happiness=),

-Bess-

Bramblewood's Modest Fall Fashion Week: Day 3

Day 3: Eclectic Military

What I've donned...

-cozy sweater --- Express --- yard sale ($1!)

-military zipper pants --- The Limited --- thrifted ($2.50)

-belt --- vintage --- ?

-canvas & leather oxfords --- Timberland's --- thrifted (around $7.50)

-vinyl (leather-looking=) bag --- Nine West --- yard sale ($1!) (Learn how to create the funky D&G inspired keychain here.)

This whole look cost a little over $10!  You can be stylish without spending the big bucks!

Love Ya,
-Bess-

Tuesday Tutorial: Eclectic Keychain Mix (D&G Inspired!)

It was a quirky surprise to see these eccentric bauble-mixes flopping around on D&G’s handbags during the fall 2010 runway shows. The brightly colored combinations of pom poms, keys, star-shaped carabiner clips, tiny crocheted dolls, etc. has a true childlike appeal. It’s a real contrast to the tan & brown classic leather bags they appear on…the bags that have an almost business-like feel.

So, what’s a crafty frugal fashionista to do, but recreate the look?!
Here’s how…
Search through what you have on hand. Find old metal keychain rings for your base. Look for beads, charms, tiny toys, etc. I secured a plastic doll’s brush, star-shaped bead, & purple Barbie glasses to a faux gold chain. I created a burgundy pom pom (see the video below to learn how) + I found a guitar-shaped carabiner clip at the Dollar Tree (it was in a package of 4=). Put ‘em all together on your keychain(s) & secure to your bag’s handle. Ta da! Straight from the runway for next to nothing!

I think I’ll add more to my keychain…I’m trying to scrounge up a woven lanyard like the ones shown + a key.


Crafting Love,
-Bess-


P.S.: I love the mini doll, too! Isn’t she adorable? =)

Bess' Autumn Lookbook (Leaflet 1)

Bramblewood's Modest Fall Fashion Week: Day 2

Day 2 - The Tunic with the Fringe

What I've donned...

-camisole (worn underneath) --- Gap Outlet

-skinny jeans --- Mixit --- JCPenney

-vintage fringe tunic --- Bonnie & Bill --- thrifted

-brown mary jane shoes --- Earth Spirit --- yard sale (for $1=)

-funky belt --- vintage --- yard sale (another $1 special=)

The fun fringe detail reminds me of that song from the musical Oklahoma.  You know, "The Surrey With the Fringe On Top."

Love Ya,

-Bess-

Bramblewood's Modest Fall Fashion Week: Day 1

I'm so eager to share 7 days worth of modest fall inspiration from my own closet, as I participate in Bramblewood Fashion's Modest Fashion Week!  There's still time to get into the mix yourself - click the sidebar button for more!

Day 1 - The White Rabbit in the Secret Garden

I donned this for church this morning...

-white tunic (worn underneath) --- Tara Jarmon for Target --- Target

-white skirt --- Isaac Mizrahi for Target --- Target

-gray dress jacket --- Rampage --- thrifted

-black tights --- Kohl's

-black ballet flats --- Walmart

-pocket watch necklace --- made by me

I love the menswear feel of this coat paired with its feminine details!

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: Stay tuned for the 1st edition of Bess' Autumn Lookbook!

Attention Nancy Drew Fans!

Hello! I just wanted to offer you the very 1st invitation to my new Nancy Drew inspired blog! Yes, as most know I’m a true blue Nancy fan, so in honor of the girl super sleuth & her 80th anniversary, I’ve created Nancy’s Notebook! I do hope you’ll stop by for a visit & mystery-filled fun!

Click here to visit Nancy's Notebook!

Most Cordially,
-Bess-


P.S.: Yes, I do know it’s somewhat silly of me to still be such a Nancy fan, but hey, that’s me for ya! =)
P.P.S.: I'm so looking forward to Bramblewood Fashion's Modest Fall event starting tomorrow!  Check back here then for my ensemble + click the sidebar link for more info!

Emily in Autumn + Seasonal Tutorial

The name -- of it -- is "Autumn" --
The hue -- of it -- is Blood --
An Artery -- upon the Hill --
A Vein -- along the Road --


Great Globules -- in the Alleys --
And Oh, the Shower of Stain --
When Winds -- upset the Basin --
And spill the Scarlet Rain --


It sprinkles Bonnets -- far below --
It gathers ruddy Pools --
Then -- eddies like a Rose -- away --
Upon Vermilion Wheels --




Besides the Autumn poets sing
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the Haze --


A few incisive Mornings --
A few Ascetic Eves --
Gone -- Mr. Bryant's "Golden Rod" --
And Mr. Thomson's "sheaves."


Still, is the bustle in the Brook --
Sealed are the spicy valves --
Mesmeric fingers softly touch
The Eyes of many Elves --


Perhaps a squirrel may remain --
My sentiments to share --
Grant me, Oh Lord, a sunny mind --
Thy windy will to bear!




Autumn -- overlooked my Knitting --
Dyes -- said He -- have I --
Could disparage a Flamingo --
Show Me them -- said I --


Cochineal -- I chose -- for deeming
It resemble Thee --
And the little Border -- Dusker --
For resembling Me --




No Autumn's intercepting Chill
Appalls this Tropic Breast --
But African Exuberance
And Asiatic rest.




The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown,
The berry's cheek is plumper —
The Rose is out of town.


The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown —
Lest I sh'd be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on.

Emily Dickinson is one of my favorite poets!  The last poem (above) is my dearest pick out of all her fall verses (not to mention the inspiration for today's tutorial).  Emily was uniqueness to the core, with many unusual habits such as her signature use of dashes (-) in her writings, as well as her lack of titles.  Most of her poems were not titled; today we simply use the poem's 1st line as a way of identifying it.  There's also her alleged terrible shyness & fondness for white dresses that leave a shroud of mystery around her person.  It seems strange indeed (& sad), that in her day Emily was little known, but today her name is so deeply connected to that of 'poetry.'



Emily Dickinson Puzzle - Click Here
Dickinson Poetry Quiz - Click Here
For More On Emily - Click Here     

Emily's Trinket - Headband Tutorial

Supplies:

-headband

-ribbon (I chose brown to resemble a twig)

-hot glue

-silk flower fall leaves (I found a bag of about 100 at my fav store ($ Tree))

-button

Instructions:

-Wrap your headband with ribbon.  Start at one end (hot glue to secure), wrapping tightly with a slight overlap so none of the original headband material shows through. 

-Add an array of the faux autumn leaves to your headband.  Put on your headband & try out the positioning of your leaves before hot gluing.

-Hot glue your button to cover the ends of your leaves.  You could also use ribbon, a scrap of fabric or lace, a rhinestone, bead, etc.  I really wanted to add an acorn charm, but alas I couldn't find one. 

Voila, there you have it - the 'Emily's Trinket' headband!  No need to feel upstaged (or "old fashioned"=) by Ms. Autumn again.  I think Miss Dickinson would approve.   

Love (in all its Beautiful Poetry),

-Bess-