The Long Lane Boutique Blog

Wordless Wednesday

The LLB Blog

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are the views and expressions of the author and not necessarily my employer(s).

Wed, May 7, 2008 5:01 PM

Once In Awhile I Get a Good One

Mon, Apr 28, 2008 3:51 PM

If your emails are anything like mine you’re sent numerous forwards throughout the day. Most of them I delete and don’t pay much attention to at the time. Then there are a select few that I find worth my time. Here’s one I received not to long ago, and I decided to share it.

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

When in doubt, just take the next small step.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

Pay off your credit cards every month.

You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

It's OK to let your children see you cry.

Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living.

You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

Over prepare, then go with the flow.

Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

The most important sex organ is the brain.

No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

Always choose life.

Forgive everyone everything.

What other people think of you is none of your business. (one of my personal favorites)

Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

Believe in miracles.

God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

The best is yet to come.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

If you don't ask, you don't get.

Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

I Have a New Title!

Wed, April 23, 2008 8:16 PM

Upcoming 2008-2009 school year, I will be Mrs. Brown 1st grade teacher! I'm thrilled about this new journey the Lord has given me. What a wonderful new adventure!

Worthless Contributions

Tue, April 22, 2008 7:58 PM

By Grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

My morning devotions were so dead on for me today, I had to take this opportunity to ponder it aloud for a few minutes. Of course, taking the time to reflect about this huge verse takes more than just a few moments, but it’s a good starting point for me.

One of the biggest struggles for me is accepting that there is nothing I can do to contribute to my salvation. My mind can’t seem to wrap itself around the fact that I am saved though HIS Grace alone. Jesus is the Way, not my worthless contributions. My salvation is the result of God's own sovereign act. All my boasting must be eliminated because I have nothing to do with it.

How humbling.

My Finger is Bare, But My Heart is Overflowing

Wed, April 16, 2008 8:05 PM

It's been a very hard few weeks for me, no not because I'm now 30, but because I've lost something incredibly valuable to me. As I recall that sinking feeling I experienced that day a few weeks ago, chatting with my third graders, looking down at my hand for some reason, and noticing my finger, my left handed ring finger. My heart starts racing even now remembering that moment whenI lose my breath, panic, and tears start to roll down my face. I quickly excuse myself, searching frantically trying to retrace my steps thinking back to where it could be… coming up with nothing.

My wedding/engagement ring is gone, my finger is bare! My finger has not been bare for over seven years now. I've grown accustomed to the natural feel of these rings on my finger. The perfect fit, the security, the comfort these rings give me.

These two rings are so incredibly special, needless to say. They fill me with so many memories. I remember the look on Jamie's face as he got down on one knee and proposed to me. The absolute shock I was in at that moment. The rush of blood coming to my face, the anticipation of opening that lil' rose to see what a wonderful ring he had chosen completely for me.

The engagement ring especially is dear to me because I wasn't one of those girlfriends that hinted about rings, or begged for a certain size diamond, shape, color, ect. I didn't harass him daily or make snide remarks in front of people about waiting for him to "pop the question". The day he proposed was truly and absolutely a shock for me. (Now, I won't deny the fact that I was secretly wondering when it would happen)

Of course the actual wedding ring brings me back to our wedding day on July 28th, 2001. The rush of excitement I had when I heard my name changed from Allison Wischmeier to Allison Brown. All of the people helping us celebrate this very special time in our lives. Enjoying a day that was just for Jamie and me. A day to celebrate us, Jamie and Allison Brown united through Christ.

Anyway, so with all of these memories flooding my mind. I've been trying to find comfort in the fact that the rings are only material things. All of the true meaning is in the actual marriage not the rings. The stability I feel is due to Jamie, not the rings. The comfort I feel is because I know that we are truly bonded together by much more than the symbolism of those rings on my finger. It's the words we shared "for better or worse until death parts us" that truly gives me a sense of peace not the feeling of the rings on my finger.

Thankfully, unlike the rings, my heart is not bare. It's full of love and commitment, and while it may be hard to see at times, it's never lost. The rings can be replaced but my marriage can not.

I love you Jamie Brown.... man of my dreams, father of my children, hardworking, never complaining, back tickler, cuddle partner for life, my dawger truly the love of my life.