Tuesday, September 30, 2014

I Could Never Be Trusted with a Book Store Credit Card!

 
 
There is no pastime I enjoy more than reading. That may be sad to some of you, but it makes me so happy! And isn't that what this blog is all about? Finding our happiness in everyday life. I hope you enjoy my monthly Book Club series! And leave a message in the comments about the books you are currently enjoying. I'd love to hear from you!
 
 
 
 
 
Some months I get to read more than others, and September was one of them! Check out my monthly picks below:
 
 
                                                                        Unlimited

One of my favorites! Many self-help books offer a lot of new age platitudes and sappy mantras:

Just love yourself. See the glass as half full. Believe it and it will come.

Really? That’s not how it works, and you know it. A lifetime’s worth of struggle is not overturned in a small moment of positive thinking. But if you have the right attitude—attitude and skills—you can and will accomplish anything and everything you want. This book gives you both, attitude and action. By its end you will have all the tools you need to change your life.
 
 


 
In today’s world, it’s tough to make everyday decisions, let alone decisions that honor God. Our culture is increasingly driven by selfish desires. However, as Christians, our lives should not be self-centered and static; they should be others-centered and active, making a difference for the Kingdom of God.
 
 
Take the next step. From radical followers of Christ to radical communities of faith.

In Radical, David Platt’s plea for Christians to take back their faith from the American Dream resonated with readers everywhere, and the book quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Now in Radical Together, the author broadens his call, challenging us to unite around a gospel-centered vision.
 
 

 
Everyone should read this book!!!
 
What will heaven be like? Randy Alcorn presents a thoroughly biblical answer, based on years of careful study, presented in an engaging, reader-friendly style. His conclusions will surprise readers and stretch their thinking about this important subject. Heaven will inspire readers to long for heaven while they're living on earth.
 
 
 
It’s so easy to forget what the Christian faith is all about. We struggle so much, work so hard, and fail so often that we frequently sense something in the equation of life must be missing.
Tullian Tchividjian (Billy Graham's grandson) argues that what we are missing is the gospel—a fuller, more powerful understanding of Jesus and what his finished work means for everyday life.
 
I'd love to hear your suggestions for good reads!
 


Monday, September 29, 2014

Believing God - Week 2

 
 
 
Words cannot express how much I am loving studying the Word of God with the ladies at my church. Special shout out to Carla S. for leading us each and every week!


We have all learned a 5 statement pledge of faith:

1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. The Word of God is alive and active in me.


If you walk by our room and seeing us counting on our fingers, we are simply reciting the pledge!


This week has focused on our first statement of faith - God is who He says He is.


Ephesians 1:18-19New International Version (NIV)
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
 
 
He wants us to believe Him!
 
 
Our daily life reflects who we believe Him to be. God reveals Himself to us in two primary ways:
1. His Word.
 
Psalm 100:1-3New International Version (NIV)
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
 
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
    Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture
 
 
 
2. His works.
 
 
Psalm 145:1-6New International Version (NIV)
A psalm of praise. Of David.
 
I will exalt you, my God the King;
    I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will praise you
    and extol your name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation commends your works to another;
    they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—
    and I will meditate on your wonderful works.[b]
They tell of the power of your awesome works—
    and I will proclaim your great deeds.
 
 
 
Do you believe God is who He says He is?
 

 

 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

It's Fri-yay!

 
 
 
Happy Fri-yay, friends! It's been an awesome but busy week for me. The Walk to End Alzheimer's is three weeks away, and it is grind time for this Chairperson! Here are my Friday Favorites - things that made me happy this week.
 
 
You can follow all my posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
 
 
 
Of course Peanut made the cut!
 
 
 
 
This week's #shoefie. Every gal needs a pair of nude patent pumps.
 
 
 
 
 
I wore purple every day this week in honor of World Alzheimer's Day
 
 
 
 
Speaking to a church about the upcoming Walk!
 
 
 
 
Painting with a Purpose with Lamar Health & Rehab
 
 
 
 
More purple selfies with my man. I don't take selfies alone...
 
 
 
 
My friend Mary and I at the painting party
 
 
 
 
And isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen? Peanut visited the local nursing home for World Alzheimer's Day. Doesn't he just look dashing in his purple bowtie?!
 
 
Let me know how your week went in the comments! Thanks for following Vogue Happiness!

Just Me, JC - Meet Peanut!

 
 
 
Meet Peanut! Any of you who know me personally are probably wondering why he wasn't the very first post (and why he hasn't been the subject of every following post). So...I'm kinda obsessed with this Chihuahua. I love him so much! He follows me EVERYWHERE and has to be touching me at all times. I'd say he's kinda obsessed with me, too! No Just Me, JC post will be as "JC" as this one.
 
You can follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
 
 
 
Look at this sweet face!
 
 
Peanut loves riding in the car
 

 
And riding on the golf cart!
 

 
The Meerkat pose...I want some attention, NOW!
 
 
Lazy Sunday afternoon nap
 
 
Boo!
 

 
I found him asleep under the covers this way...
 
 
But, he prefers to sleep on my pillow tucked in like a human!
 
 
My sweet baby
 
 
Love this guy!
 
 
You can follow Peanut on Instagram here. (Seriously.)

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Summer Garden Wrap Up




                          
 
 
 
As excited as I am for fall and cooler temperatures, I have to give summer one final farewell. My dad is one of the most influential gardeners in our area. He is one of the earliest pioneers of container gardening, and from the looks of things, I'd say he's highly successful. A "Master Gardener", dad has been featured on numerous television segments and print articles regarding his garden. Take a look at his latest accomplishments! (And no, I never get ANY fresh vegetables! He freely gives to any and all - and there's none left for me.)
 
 









My dad (right) and his friend


Goodbye, summertime!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Painting with a Purpose


World Alzheimer's Day fell on September 19th this year, and you may or may not have seen #paintitpurple everywhere. I know I blasted it all over social media for a week. If you know me personally, you know I have a deep passion for patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In accordance with World Alzheimer's Day, Lamar Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lumberton, MS decided to literally #paintitpurple at Painting with a Twist!


I am so proud of Lamar Health and Rehab and the work they are doing to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association. I've been chairing the Walk to End Alzheimer's for 6 years, and enthusiasm ebbs and flows amongst teams. But not Lamar! I am constantly amazed at what they can pull off. Like this check above for $523.00 in only 2 hours!


(Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram here.)




Ladies getting set up to paint












Alzheimer's awareness had the largest "Painting with a Purpose" turnout - ever!































This is Mary, the Activities Director at Lamar. Love her!




Our mothers are residents at Lamar, so we made them each a painting.




We had the best time! Thank you Lamar Health & Rehab and Painting with a Twist!




My finished work. (Is the swing a little high or what???)