Why you should stop trying to find "THE ONE" [Guest Blogger, Sabrina Peters]

If I had a dollar for every time I heard a young chick say, “oh, I think he’s the one”, I would be a millionaire (ok maybe not a millionaire but I’d have some extra cash for krispy kremes, if you know what I’m saying!)

What I tell these girls is this:

STOP LOOKING FOR “THE ONE” AND START BECOMING WHO GOD WANTS YOU TO BE.

“Success in marriage does not come merely through finding the right mate, but through being the right mate.” – Barnett R. Brickier

No guy will ever complete you no matter how handsome, funny or charming he is.

No other person holds the key to your happiness except you. If you feel insecure and unloved as a single girl you will carry that into your relationship. No guy will ever “complete” you and it’s actually not his job too.

THERE IS NOT JUST ONE PERFECT PERSON OUT THERE FOR YOU.

The idea of there only being “ONE” Mr.Right in the whole universe is kind of absurd! Can you imagine if somewhere along the way some poor girl accidentally married “Mr Wrong” and in turn his “Mrs Right” missed out on the actual “one” so she settled for just someone and the whole thing is now completely outta whack (it sounds a bit silly when you say it like that hey?)!

I believe God has a plan for our lives and He is all knowing and all powerful but I do not think he dictates our actions and forces things upon us. He is into divine connections and leads if we let him but the truth is I could have married a bunch of great guys and Ben (my handsome husband) could have found some absolutely wonderful girls. (Maybe not as cute haha totally joking!) But we chose each other, we are committed to each other and we actually really like each other!

The whole concept of there only being one person in the world that is “right” actually came from the greek mythology where a man and a woman only made half a person and were incomplete until they found their “soul mate”.

Check this out, it is straight from Wikipedia.

Plato has Aristophanes present a story about soul mates. Aristophanes states that humans originally had four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces, but Zeus feared their power and split them all in half, condemning them to spend their lives searching for the other half to complete them.

It is not a biblical concept. You know what is biblical.

•   Wisdom – from His word and those in authority over you.

•   Commitment – when you pick you stick.

•   Love – not just a feeling or an emotion but a wilful decision.

•   The Holy-Spirit – He leads us in peace.

Only two places in the bible does God actually tell someone to marry someone else.

He speaks to Joseph whom he tells him to marry Mary (Who was pregnant out of wedlock… she could have been stoned for that? And she was carrying JESUS!).

And he tells Hosea to marry a prostitute. Weird?

So instead of asking yourself if he is the one, ask yourself:

•   Does he have a genuine relationship with God?

•   Do we have hold the same values?

•   Do we have fun together?

•   Can I be myself around him?

•   Do we bring out the best in each other?

•   What do my parents think?

•   Do my friends like him?

•   What do my pastors or leaders have to say?

•   Am I ready to get into a relationship (I suggest over 18)?

•   Are our lives heading in the same direction?

•   Am I willing to stick with him even when he’s not so charming?

“A perfect marriage is not between two perfect people, but between two imperfect people who learn when to overlook imperfection.”

My Secret Dream to Become a Model

Don't lie. I know you want to be a model too! 

I don't know. Maybe you do, maybe you don't.

But secretly I've always wanted to try.

There just seems to be something "glamourous"

about it. 

(see this is me trying to model. I'm obviously awesome.

minus my dog...ehem)

I seriously think I could make it out there

in the real world.

I mean I know I can!

With your help that it:)

I'm trying to become E.L.F. Cosmetics Teen Face of 2013.

If I win I'll get a trip to NYC for a photoshoot,

a lifetime supply of makeup from ELF (that's awesome),

and the chance to inspire other young girls like me.

I took some inspiration from Mrs.A to the S (check out 3:53)

and 

I really truly believe I can win.

but I need your help!

you can vote for me here: VOTE FOR LILY

And you can vote for my girl Chloe here: VOTE FOR CHLOE

(don't worry, we're in different categories so it's cool to vote for the both of us;)

XoXo

Instagrammin'

Hello Lily Garay friends and blog readers!!!! My name is Janette and I blog over at Janette Lane. It's a happy little lifestyle blog mostly featuring a collection of thoughts and photographs of my daily shenanigans as a SoCal resident, wife, and photographer.

I'm happy to be filling in for sweet Lily today! And I'm here to talk about Instagram...and my love-hate relationship for this social network. I'll be sharing 3 things I love about IG and 3 things I dislike (cause hate is a strong word).

Here we go!

DISLIKE
1. When you get friend requests from people with 20 followers who follow 100K people. Like seriously? What is the point of that?
2. Comments that say, "Likes for likes.." or "Likes for shoutouts"  or "Get paid to Instagram all day..." I. Just. Don't. Get. It!
3. I don't like that you can't maximize people's profile pics. Sometimes I just want to see that cute picture you uploaded, but it's so stinkin' tiny I can't make anything out!

LOVE
1. I love that I get to connect with my bloggy friends and see their lives in real time.
2. Filters. Instagram has some of the best! I'm more of a Walden/Rise kind of girl.. (What about you?)
3. I love that I can go back in my IG feed and find out what I ordered from a particular restaurant the last time I was there... Haha! So in other words, I like how it's become my daily diary.

Here are some of my recent IG uploads:

So what about you?

What do you love about IG and what do you hate?

Share in the comments below!

PS. Thank you soooo much Lily for having me and please feel free to visit my blog, Janette Lane, any time!

PPS. Follow me on Instagram: janettelaneblog

The Wedding Date

Day 28

Favorite Movie. Ever.

This is a hard subject for me, so I decided to ask for

a little extra help from my twitter/blogger buddy Cait:)

_______

Hey everyone! My name is Cait and I blog over at Fierce Fabulous and Fit :) My blog is mainly about being a newlywed (3 months now), my fitness routines, my family and friends and of course just the crazy things that happen in my life!

I couldn't wait to help out Lily who asked me to write about my favorite movie to share with you all. Clearly it was a no brainer for me!

I've adored The Wedding Date since I saw 7 years ago. I honestly could watch this movie every single day and never get tired of it. Seriously?! YOU BET (and I almost did my senior year of college ha) So here is why I love this movie!

Debra Messing. I just fell in love with her while watching Will and Grace so naturally I couldn't help but love her character in this film. Her personality, OCD quirkiness and reserved comments made me even think of myself! I tend to be a little neat freak at times, like control but thankfully haven't been stood up by an ex.

source

The Setting. Anything to do with London clearly has my vote! I loved the locations of where they filmed their house, the wedding itself and the bachelorette parties!! When I was able to travel to London last year with my sister I made sure to try and find some of the locations they used in the movie. Weird? I guess so :)

TJ. Is there not a more funnier character in a movie? Honestly her one liners are used in my daily vocabulary. For instance when I have a good night I say "THAT WAS A TOP NIGHT!" Yup. You can judge me. It's cool.

The Plot. Sure its a cheesy romantic comedy but who doesn't love a feel good movie like this? Honestly it always lifted my spirits when watching two adorable people come together in a way that melts my heart. And on that note..

Dermot Mulroney. Need I say more?

So there you have it friends! My favorite movie :) How about you?

 Feel free to stop by my blog too and say Hi !!

___________

You can hook up with this girl over at:

blog: http://fiercefabulousandfit.blogspot.com/

Twitter: FierceFabandFit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FierceFabulousAndFit
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/caitwilker/

 

 Missed my post on the start of my 30-day-blog-challenge? 

Go here: Day 1

( married, date, love, movies )

Giveaway and Day 4 of the 30-day-blog-challenge

So usually I do my Fitness Fridays posts, but today I have a giveaway for you and my challenge for my 

30-day-blog-challenge (Which I'll be doing at the end)

____________________________________________________

Happy Friday Everyone! Today my blog friend Jessica and I are going to be doing a little giveaway.

(she'll be "Speaking" in bold and I will be in italic)

Hello readers of "The Lily Garay Blog" I'm Jessica from "Living The LA Life". Lily and I have been following each other since I took my blog public back in March. It has a great experience following each other's journey and would love to invite you to be part of the fun. Since fall is just around the corner, together we'd like to present this great fall accessory giveaway!

It's so easy to enter! After these 5 fun facts about ourselves, you'll see the option to enter the giveaway.

1. What is your top bucket list item?

Before I die I must see the Pyramids of Egypt and walk The Great Wall of China. I've always been interested in history and would love to see these structures that are still standing after all that time.

Hm.... That's easy;) Skydiving!!! & I want to see the fairy pools in Scotland...It just doesn't seem real.
God created that amazingness, though so I want to go so badly!

2. What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is Sweet November. I like unconventional love.

So many! But if I had to pick movie that tugs my emotions it would have to be

Pursuit of Happyness. 

3. If you could pick one celebrity to have lunch with, who would it be?

If I could have lunch with any celebrity it would be Young Elvis, before he got creepy and found Vegas. I'v always thought he was the ulitmate hunk and American Icon. Maybe I could even convince me to play a song for me:)

Probably Taylor Swift. Even though I'm not a big fan of her most of her music, 

I am a fan of the way she works and

who she is. She is truly inspirational.

4. Summer must consist of....?

Summer must consist of pool parties, vacations, day adventures, and time spent with friends and family. Not that we don't make great memories all year around but I think we really have to take advantage of all the outdoor time summer gives us. This summer I  went to Catalina Island, San Diego, flee markets, new restaurants, beach parties, and even hosted some pool parties of my own.

Being with friends and family. Going on picnics and hikes. Eating lots of ice-cream. Being happy:)

5. My favorite Singer is...?

My favorite singers are Jesse Lacey and Lana Del Ray. I love them because I believe them when they sing. I think a good singer should really make you feel the words they are saying.

Well Gosh! I have so many. Some of my favorites include Jamie Grace, Lecrae (rapper. oh well!), and 

yeah. I mean sometimes the person singing a certain song might not be my favorite singer, but

the way they sing a certain song is what I like! :)

Now it's time for you to enter! You don't have to do all of them, but to be 

entered you must at least do one of these:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Today's challenge was to post a pic of me with my bff. Well here are two of my bffs a.k.a. the sibs

hehe. love you guys! 

----------

 Missed my post on the start of my 30-day-blog-challenge? Go here: http://lilygaray.blogspot.com/2012/09/30-day-blog-challenge-day-uno-1.html

Official Fall Fashion

Hello Lily Garay friends and blog readers!!!! My name is Janette and I blog over at Janette the Jongleur. It's a happy little lifestyle blog mostly featuring a collection of thoughts and photographs of my daily shenanigans as a SoCal resident, wife, and photographer.

I'm super excited to be filling in for Lily today! And I'm here to talk about Fashion--Fall fashion, to be exact! Here's a few inspiring looks...

If you couldn't tell, I really love mixing patterns, colors, and textures (check out my attempts at mixing). And doesn't it always seem that having unique style hinges on mastering the art layering??  I think it makes everything more interesting, no?

Images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 

So are you looking forward to mixing and wearing jackets and scarves all day long???? I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some cooler temps...yesterday. I love Fall! 

 Thank you for reading and please feel free to visit my blog,

  Janette the Jongleur,

 any time!

Diamond in the rough

A Diamond in the Rough! JOB 8:7 – “You future will be brighter by far than your past.” CEV 

 Have you ever sensed from deep within you, 

that you’re greater and better than what you’re 

experiencing at this particular point in your life? 

Have you ever felt that in spite of all that you’re facing, 

the promise of your future seems bright?

 Have you ever struggled to reconcile your present 

experience to the future that you have envisaged? 

Have you ever sensed that you are supposed to be

 somewhere with your life, further than where you currently are? 

Frustrated by greatness you sense,

 but cannot see? 

Ever felt hemmed in by the

 confines of a shack when 

deep inside you, you are convinced

 that where you really belong is in the palace? 

Ever been bound by the restrictions of imprisonment: financial imprisonment, medical imprisonment and emotional imprisonment – yet in the recesses of your heart you are convinced that freedom is what you really deserve! 

If your answer is yes to any of the above questions – I’m talking to the right person. I want to encourage you today: The fact that you envisage so much greatness for yourself is indicative of the fact that there is greatness within you, and it’s only a matter of time until that greatness comes to the fore and becomes plain to all! The fact that you are so uncomfortable with your present circumstance is pulsating proof that you were born for better! 

Thus in light of our root scripture, it is imperative that we be careful not to let our current circumstance cloud our perception of the future! We should never allow ourselves to become despondent as a result of our current experience of life. The reality is, no-matter where you find yourself, no-matter the challenge, no-matter the trials – keep listening to the inherent heart-beat of greatness that you sense within you, because therein lies the truth about who you are! It makes no difference whether you were born with the proverbial silver-spoon, a golden spoon, or a ‘bronze spoon’ for all I care – all that matters is who you are on the inside! 

Take care of that inward person! 

Develop that inward person! Prepare that inward person, because his/her future is very bright! Let them laugh at you today because you don’t have that car, let them ridicule you today because you’re struggling to pay your rent, let them ostracize you today because you were born into a poor family, let them snub you today because you’re always wearing the same clothes, let them mock you today because your budget allows you to only shop no name brands! The beautiful thing is that when God begins to cause progress to occur in your life, He makes sure that it appears to all! (1Timothy 4:15) The wondrous thing about it is that it forces all those who had been looking down on you and gossiping about you, to be the witnesses of your progress! It forces them to turn around and be the very publishers of your victory! What does a person who had been calling you a beggar say when you’ve become richer than they are? What does the one who has been criticizing the clothes you wear or the no-name food brands you’ve been buying say when you own the stores where they do their shopping?! They are forced to admit that you are better than they thought…. I feel like cracking a laughter right here… That a diamond is in the rough does not mean it is not a diamond! Sooner or later, it will be dug out from the pit! It will be washed! It will be polished! And someone is going to pay tons of money to have it! According to the Urban dictionary the expression ‘diamond in the rough’ refers to : “Someone (or something) that has hidden exceptional characteristics and/or future potential, but currently lacks the final touches that would make them (or it) truly stand out from the crowd”. The phrase is metaphorical and relates to the fact that naturally occurring diamonds are quite ordinary at first glance, and that their true beauty as jewels is only realized through the cutting and polishing process. Ladies and gentlemen, let not your heart be troubled by your present situation – you’re but a diamond in the rough. So keep the faith and stay your gaze riveted on the future! 

 God Bless You! 

Mohale Wa-Morena 

True Light International – South Africawww.truelightinternational.co.za

http://www.truelightinternational.co.za/2011/01/06/a-diamond-in-the-rough/

People like Lily {Guest post from Miss (soon to be Mrs.) Aunie- Queen of sauce}

Dear lovely followers, I am honored to have a post from the dear Miss (soon to be Mrs;) Annelise Driftlot.
AKA The Queen of sauce - She has taken the time to write a post for you all and honestly I'm very humbled and touched right now. I didn't tell Aunie what to specifically write on, so reading this post just makes me want to cry a little bit. I would appreciate if you would take the time to please leave her a little comment love on her own blog. Without further ado, Aunie, I turn this blog over to you.

*************************************

Hello Lily lovers! 

My name is Annelise and I blog over at the little blog called Aunie Sauce.

I'm the girl who is "not." 

NOT a mom. NOT a graphic designer. NOT a gourmet cook. 

So, what am I? 

A 20-something swanky Idahoan who blogs about

faith, personal style, what's on my heart and daily shenanigans.

Let's just say, Aunie Sauce is NOT your average blog.

As I mentioned above, I often blog about what's on my heart.

Lately, what's been on my heart is the amazing support from the blogging community.

You see it everyday with Miss Lily.

She has been a huge supporter of mine for the last few months.

To be honest, it's a wonderful friendship that she and I have.

My birthday was this last Monday, and in my inbox, I found a virtual birthday card from Lily.

She sang me Happy Birthday.

No one has ever done anything like that for me before.

I think that shows you how much love she has for others.

Through it all, the support and love of other bloggers is so astounding.

I'm thankful for it everyday.

The simple emails that come to my inbox just wanting to say hi,

asking for a piece of advice,

or just sharing a beautiful thought...

I am always so appreciative of each of them.

What keeps me blogging?

You.

People like Lily.

The ones who open their heart and share love every day.

If you're one of them, thank you.

I could never thank you enough.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.auniesauce.com" title="Aunie Sauce" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m587/ADriflot/onmyheart-2.jpg" alt="Boise Fashion Blogger" style="border:none;" /></a></div>








p.s. Fitness Friday Readers: Post will be coming up on Saturday because on Friday I have a FULL schedule and I don't want Fitness Friday to be a scheduled post. Thanks for understanding:)

You can D.I.Y!

Hi Lily Garay Readers!
I'm so excited to be guest posting on Lily's blog as she starts her first few weeks of school!
Being a teacher, getting back in the routine of school is definitely a challenge, but I know she will do great!
I blog at for Lauren and Lauren.  I started my blog for my sister Lauren and sister in law Lauren to post daily outfits pictures for me.  Soon after I started blogging, my blog became a place to not just share my love for clothes, but also my projects, my family and what God is teaching me.
As well as a chance to make so many friends, (like Lily) which has been my favorite part of blogging so far!

Today Lily asked me to share a DIY project, and this is my favorite one I did this summer.

DIY Sailboat Tee


After making this painted neon tee, I was excited to find another project similar.
This was cheap, easy and I love how it turned out.
I also love that I can wear it with a maxi skirt or with jeans.

We followed this tutorial and it took about a half hour. 

All you need is a white t-shirt, freezer paper and paint. 

You make a sailboat pattern on the freezer paper and iron it on to your tee. 

Then using your acrylic paint you paint your sailboat. 

Let it dry, then peel off your paper!

And that's it!

There are so many possibilities with all different kinds of shapes or patterns you could make.
I'm excited to try more.
Thanks Lily for having me on your blog!! I hope your first weeks of school are going great!

Thanks 

Messy Stories

It's Monday! This post has been scheduled to publish at 8:55 am. The time that I start school. So you'll probably be reading this while I'm sitting in some class;) I have for you a guest post by a super lovely gal, Annie. She's going to introduce herself to you then tell you a little story. Please show her some love and leave a little comment on her blog:)  

Hello friends! My name is Annie, and I blog over at What She Saw. I chose that title because I'm always seeing bits of a lost paradise, and I want to work diligently for its reclaiming until Christ comes and establishes it for good.

In the meantime, my friend L and I went on a little adventure, and what we saw was considerably less exciting than the kingdom come.

This was what we saw:

I know what you're thinking.

Or maybe I don't. Are you thinking, "A LANDFILL?"

(You should be.)

Welcome to Michigan, my friends. WELCOME TO MICHIGAN. We specialize in being surrounded Great Lakes, looking like a mitten, and storing Michigananian and Canadian trash. We usually omit the last part.

We waited in line behind and in front of waste trucks, drove across the largest scale I have ever seen, and drove to the civilian area to empty out the junk in the back of the truck L was driving.

The debris may or may not have included a container (previously) infested with cockroaches and still inhabited at the time of its disposal by one of the outrageously disgusting creatures, a toilet, a shattered mirror and a myriad of other, shall we say, interesting items.

We followed that hot mess up with a visit to the bookstore and grocery shopping.

Thankfully, not every adventure can end in dirt.

blog: http://www.anniewiltse.com

twitter: http://twitter.com/anniewiltse

pinterest: http://pinterest.com/anniewiltse

....For Lauren and Lauren

Do you know who Katie is? If you don't, you should. I've given her the Smile Award.

Here is the post that got her this award:

shirt and belt: Old Navy  (read about shirt here)  pants: ?  shoes: dsw

The other day I was coaching for my girls on the run team and some of the junior high track team was also outside.  As I was running around the track, one of the boys jumped in front and me and kept moving back and forth, zig zagging so I couldn't run past him.  Apparently he thought this was some form of flirty.  And apparently he didn't realize I was a teacher.  Due to the fact that it was the Monday after spring break, and I had already had a pretty crappy day, my only response was, 

"Seriously? Stop it." 

I mean, he needs to learn rejection at some point, right? 

And clearly I need to learn how to not look like a 14 year old. 

_____________________________________________________________

Isn't she adorbs?

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time + Guest Post

Well this week I have spoiled you with two guest posts! One on Tuesday and one today:)

You all probably know that I follow  stalk Aunie's Blogs....all 4 of them. One's about Hair, Life, Nails, and Trichotillomania   - got you on that last one, didn't I? 

Any text you see in pink below is me talking. Let's get this started.

___________________________________________________________________

I'm Aunie.

isn't she so pretty?

 I blog at Aunie Sauce. You may assume that since I'm Aunie and blog at Aunie Sauce, that I may be a tad bit saucy. You would be correct. I write saucy poems, saucy posts, and I post about my saucy and sassy little bearded dragon from time to time. Come on over and check out my saucy-ness, why don'tcha?

Did you find that interesting? I did!!!

Ok ok ok.... SINCE Aunie blogs, she has a series called: Thursday 13 <---- click for more info. 

She'll be sharing:

13 favorite things about being a girl

1. MAKEUP! I'm a makeup junkie. I even blog about it!

2.NAIL POLISH! Ha! I blog about that, too!!!

3.Getting to make excuses. You know... about "that time of the month" or "because I'm a girl!"

4.Not having to do the rough-and-tough stuff... (even though some girls do... not me!)

5.Chick flicks.

6.Shopping rehab. I know some guys have that, too... but it's so much better when you're a girl.

7.Women-only gyms! I've never been to one but I think the idea is great!

8.Accessorizing.

9.Dresses!!

10.Getting my toesies did. 

11.Getting treated to things like dinner dates. Half of the time, I end up paying, too... but I love being treated to things!

12.Having not as much body hair as men... gross!

13.Emotions! Girls are usually more emotional than guys (right?), and sometimes it's good to just get a good cry in and not have anyone think it's weird. 

_______________________________________________

Go Go Go visit her! It's worth your time, I promise:)
Have a lovely Thursday.

P.S. No Thankful Thursday today because of the guest post:)

OH and the title has nothing to do with the post... hahaha

1st Guest Post {Tuesday's Tips and Tutorials}

Hey lovely readers. Since my blog is expanding, I am going to be having more guest posts. 

Today we have Angie from http://thebeautylicous.blogspot.com/

____________________________________

When the weather gets chilly and windy, skin gets dry, flaky, and easily irritated. No surprise, then, that clogged pores pose a major problem. In warmer weather, using acid or a drying agent like benzoyl peroxide is the easy solution, but when skin is already sensitized, both often just end up inflaming things further. Don't worry, though. There are plenty of gentle ways to keep pores clear. To see three of the easiest fixes, just keep reading.

• Get steamy: Steaming your face is admittedly an old-fashioned remedy, but there's a reason women have been doing it for centuries. Instead of just using hot water and a towel, drop an herbal laxative (Swiss Kris is the classic) into your water before you put it on to boil. The herbs help "open" your pores, and the steam is great for relieving stuffed-up sinuses, too.

• Enzyme time: Enzyme cleansers and masks are perfect for sensitized skin because they don't dry skin out or rough it up the way traditional acids and scrubs do. There are a lot of different enzymes that work (papain, bromelian), but look for a product that has fruit enzymes as its active ingredient.

• Fuller up: For the gentlest and most simple clay mask around, use fuller's earth. It's basically just dirt, but the stuff has been a medicinal staple for centuries because it contains higher than average amounts of magnesium, which attracts water (helping hydrate skin), and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

from http://thebeautylicous.blogspot.com/

p.s. this post was supposed to go up yesterday... so expect two posts today.