{Day 225}

Pandas and penguins.  I’m wondering if I like these two animals so much because I’m a black and white type of a person.  In other words I can be pretty blunt.  Sometimes this is a good thing but other times it just ends up being a case of foot in mouth syndrome.  Words hold so much weight.  They have the power to build up and tear down.  Yet so often I forget this.  I want to be a gracious person that speaks truth and life into people.  I’m not saying that you never have to say things that are hard.  Difficult conversations will arise but when they do may our words be seasoned with love.  Don’t shy away from what needs to be said but take a moment, or longer if you need it, to really process.  Since I want to be a person that brings light and healing to others I’ve started using this as my prayer before I go meet with someone or talk on the phone: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3.  Do I still mess up and say things I shouldn’t?  Absolutely, but when I’m conscious about my words then foot and mouth syndrome lessens greatly.  May all your conversations today be edifying!  Thoughts?  I’d love to hear them in the comments below. 🙂

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

Also don’t forget that the 10.for.10 challenge is still on!   If you want to bring some joy to the orphans in India then join in this dare.  Just get 10 friends to donate $10.  It’s really simple.  You just have to ask! 🙂

I got to model some pieces from my dear friend’s new clothing line!  (She’s the amazing lady that made my dress….yeah THE black dress.) 🙂  If you live in the Portland area her fashion show is this Sunday!  Click through to the link below to see her FB and get info.

Dress: Moulagerie by Karen Davis

Hat: Dorene Vandermeer

26 Responses to {Day 225}

  1. Christine April 24, 2012 at 4:59 am #

    Beautiful girl and beautiful dress! This post was a great one too. 🙂

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:27 pm #

      Thank you sweet friend and yes I really like this dress! 🙂

  2. Erin April 24, 2012 at 6:09 pm #

    I Love it! Great outfit!!!!! 🙂

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:27 pm #

      I think her art is pretty amazing. And it felt like a dream too. 🙂

  3. Andrea April 24, 2012 at 7:29 pm #

    That dress is fabulous and you look beautiful modeling it! This is a constant lesson in our house. We talk to the boys all the time about lifting each other up and not releasing it if it doesn’t edify. They are best friends and I want them to stay close when they are grown up. XO

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:28 pm #

      🙂 You’re such a wonderful mom! I love you dearly friend. XO

  4. Grace April 24, 2012 at 7:58 pm #

    Okay, it really doesn’t get much cuter than this. This is like almost my favorite outfit that you have ever worn. Adorable!

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:28 pm #

      Isn’t it a fabulous dress?! I wanted to keep it!

  5. Karen April 24, 2012 at 9:38 pm #

    It was such an honor to have you in my studio trying on that dress, watching you twirl in it and making it dance. It is the joy that you have for your gracious Lord, however, that really shines through. Thank you for stopping before we got started and lifting the time up to the Lord. Your desire to see God glorified in all that we do gives value to my feeble attempts at beauty.

    Thank you Miss Elaini. I am continually humbled and blessed to know you.

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:30 pm #

      Ah sweet friend the honor and blessing was mine. It was such a joy to be a part of what you are doing. I think your designs are amazing and I love how you are using the gift God has given you. You are pure gift to me!

  6. E. G. Garfield April 25, 2012 at 8:58 am #

    Yes beautiful dress & beautiful lady. Best of all you practice what you preach and that is amazing grace!

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:30 pm #

      I learned from you dear mom! 🙂 And yes it is all grace!

  7. Jessica April 27, 2012 at 7:21 pm #

    Hi Elaini
    What a beautiful dress!

    Thank you for sharing this today; I’ve been praying that very verse the last few months in the morning, although I didn’t exactly know where that verse was. It’s amazing how much praying this helps me and keeps me aware of my words. It even permeates into my actions and attitude, because if I’m aware my words aren’t right, I’ll start asking myself why I was going to say that (answer: bad attitude) and if my body language is ‘speaking unkindly’.

    Lotsa love,
    Jess

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:33 pm #

      Hello Jessica! My friend really does make beautiful clothing. 🙂
      Yes, that verse really is so helpful. I really like how you processed that. 🙂
      x

  8. Sarah April 28, 2012 at 5:12 pm #

    Wow! What a charming dress and lovely girl modeling it! Where do you find all your ravishing dresses and skirts?;)

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:37 pm #

      You are too kind! 🙂

  9. Laynie April 29, 2012 at 1:19 pm #

    Great post…it is very applicable to me. I have the tendency to say things before I think them through, and say things the wrong way instead of saying them out of love.
    I love the dress its fabulous!!!!

    • misselaini April 30, 2012 at 11:38 pm #

      You and me both!
      I love the dress too! I have pretty amazing friends. 🙂

  10. RachelC May 1, 2012 at 5:32 am #

    Agh! Elaini, that dress is TOO CUTE! Where can I get one right now? (Ha ha–patience is not my strong point, as you can see) 😉

    • misselaini May 14, 2012 at 10:28 pm #

      Yes, my friend is an amazing designer! Unfortunately this dress is not available yet. 🙁 I believe it will be in her fall line though. 🙂

  11. NEVA May 1, 2012 at 1:47 pm #

    I love your outfit Elaini! 🙂

    • misselaini May 14, 2012 at 10:29 pm #

      Thank you! Karen did a fabulous job styling me and making that dress!

  12. Laurel May 8, 2012 at 6:35 am #

    Oh, thanks for the reminder. You are so right.
    And that dress is so pretty, you make it rock! Love your style.
    And…You are very pretty!

    Laurel

    • misselaini May 14, 2012 at 10:36 pm #

      🙂
      Karen is amazing with her designs!
      You are so kind. Thank you!

  13. Victoria / Justice Pirate June 2, 2012 at 6:00 am #

    I tend to be pretty blunt with people and sometimes am insensitive, so this verse and other verses about the tongue always help me. I often pray that God holds my tongue for me when I speak before thinking so that I don’t hurt someone.

    This dress of yours is so very beautiful!!! I love it!

    • misselaini June 4, 2012 at 8:39 pm #

      That’s a beautiful prayer and I try to do the same. 🙂
      I wish I had gotten to keep it but alas no…

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