Quote of the Week

Welcome welcome!

I'm so grateful that you would stop by 

and let me share my latest 

rantings and ravings pondering with you.

This past weekend, 
I had the privilege to sit under John Maxwell's teaching; 

a great leader in well . . . leading.

Things I'm Pondering . . .

This scripture has been playing in my mind recently and I thought I'd share,

"Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. 

Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 

'Friend, we have a better place for you!' 

Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests." 

-Luke 14:10

So many times in life we look around us and think, 

"I can do this or that better than so and so. Why do they get all the credit and recognition?" 

It can be hard to take the lowly place, but when we wait on God to exalt us instead of exalting ourselves, the reward is beyond our imagination.

Let's be okay waiting.

Just be quiet already!

I realize I haven't written about marriage and relationships in a while so I think it's about time.

It was fun writing the marriage series, but boy has things changed since I first wrote those articles. We have a little one now who for all intents and purposes is anything but little. He's a spitting image of both my husband and my worst qualities, bless his little heart. It's funny how God will show us ourselves through such a little person. If only he knew how much he's making mommy and daddy become the better versions of ourselves. 

The funniest thing happened to me on Sunday as I was preparing to go to church. Well, maybe funny isn't the best word . . . Interesting? 

Already Equipped

Have you ever felt called to do something, start something, or step out into a new direction? 

All of us have been challenged beyond our ability more than once in our lives, and If you haven’t, I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. 

Quote of the week!

Hello there 

my beautiful virtuous friend!

 

It's been a long time since I've graced the pages of 

"A Piece of Virtue," 

but I have some things to share.

 

I've come to realize that if the inspiration isn't flowing, 

I'd rather not write. 

There's nothing worse than a writer who spouts off unproductive nonsense. 

 

Well it's Monday and this week's quote of the week comes from the ever talented Steven Furtick. 

 

"Look beneath the insult, 

see the insecurity, 

overlook the offense." 

-Steven Furtick

Hope it's a great little reminder to get you 

through this work week. : )

Quote of the Week

Happy Monday everyone!

I've started this awesome week with a surprise Starbuck's Caramel Frapuccino from one of the coolest co-workers ever.

 I must say it truly made my day.

I hope you were able to start yours with something that would warm your heart and make you smile. 

I know I've been missing in action for a little while but I thought I'd stop by and share a little inspiration for today. Enjoy!

"Nothing is ever about now, everything is always about then. Many people don't walk into the then because they're not faithful with now." 

-Christine Caine

Marriage Series: Communication

Welcome to the final installment of the "How to make your marriage work," series.

I know there's a ton more to cover about marriage, but I thought I'd wrap things up with the biggest relationship killer of all . . .

Communication.

Quote of the Week

Happy Monday!

This week's quote comes courtesy of Mrs. Christine Caine; 

a powerful teacher with an awesome Aussie accent.

Last week, I made the discovery that she has a plethora of podcasts available for downloading. 

These aren't just any ole podcasts. 

No! These fifteen minute clips are packed with challenges, convictions, and faith stirring points that are sure to help you grow in your relationship with God. 

I hope you'll take the time to listen to one, two, or even the entire line up. 

Until then, here's this week's quote of the week.

"Be faithful with what's in your hand 

until God gives you the desire of your heart." 

-Christine Caine

Friday Music: Still That Girl

It's Friday, Friday!

Today's artist for Friday music is 

Britt Nicole. 

I've talked about her here before, but her music is so powerful, inspiring, and action evoking that I just had to share this song with you.

Marriage Series: Discuss finances and make a plan

Source

Money . . .

It's no secret that money is one of the main causes of relational and marital collapse. 

With financial decisions being one of the biggest obstacles to overcome as a couple, it's surprising that most people don't or wont talk about it.

I know for me, in my first year of marriage, talking finances with my husband was a huge headache. (Sometimes it still is). He's more of a 'spender' while I'm hands down the 'saver,' so our opinions always differ.

While talking money, bills, debt, and the like can be a painful experience, it's time to roll up those sleeves and get down and dirty in financial talks with your partner.

Welcome to another glorious Monday! 

While I try to give some piece of advice or verbiage with each quote of the week, I think this week's quote speaks for itself. 

God's calling on your life is not a call to a tower

to look down on everyone else, 

it's a call to the trenches to help others win the fight.

Have a great day!

Friday Music!

On my way to work this morning, I was introduced to the talented Meredith Andrews. Not sure why I have never heard anything by her before, but this one song in particular really spoke to me. 

Her new single, "Not for a Moment," speaks to the times we feel alone and far away from God. We can rest assured in the promise that He will never leave or forsake us. 

 

  Follow her on Twitter here! 

"Know Your Worth!"

Welcome to Archived Thursdays. There's so many articles on the Virtue site that I thought it would be fun to have a day simply dedicated to back articles. 

Hence, Archived Thursdays! Enjoy.

Over the past few weeks, there's been a nagging feeling tugging at my mind. Conversation after conversation, I've found myself talking about self-worth. At first it came up in a conversation about a friend's relationship. 

She was questioning why women constantly settle for men who aren't interested in offering much, 

Marriage Series: Preparation and seeking wise counsel.

Welcome back for another addition of how to make your marriage work.

Today we're talking about properly preparing for marriage and continually seeking counsel throughout your marriage.

A Space Just for Me

I'm so excited to share this little peek into my home with you.

We're in the midst of our yearly renovations around our house and I can't be more thrilled. 

I absolutely love breathing new 
life & design 
into our home and this year we started with our master bedroom. 

While the big reveal is a little ways away, 

I wanted to share with you the little space my husband created for me.

Last year for our 2nd wedding anniversary, we went on a cruise to Key West and Mexico. Being that I was preggo, I took full advantage of the built-in vanity that the ship had to offer. 

Sure I'd seen vanities before, but never had I actually tried one.

After spending five days using the vanity to get ready,

 I was in love.   

My husband,
 knowing how much I wanted one, 
spent all year searching for the perfect vanity 
(I had no clue) and so,
for Valentine's Day 
surprised me with a little space of my own. 

Where do you love to get ready? 
Is it a fabulous closet?
A nook tucked into the corner or your room?

I'd love to hear about it. 

     

Quote of the Week

Remember when you were little and everyone told you that you could be whatever you wanted to be?

Well, according to this week's quote that may be 

a tad-bit untrue.

Don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with aspiring to be someone great, 

but whatever you plan to do must align with what God has planned for you.

It's impossible to fit ourselves into a role that wasn't meant for us. 

Believe me, I've tried. 

So here's this week's quote of the week. : ) See you tomorrow!

You can't be anything you want to be.

But you can be everything

God wants you to be.

Marriage Series:Get Married and Stay Married for the right reasons.

Welcome to week three of the "How to Make Your Marriage Work," series.

Today we're exploring the reasons to get married and stay married. 

The more people I meet and talk with, the more I see a trend arising of people getting married or staying married for terrible reasons. Now before you try to burn me at the stake, let me first say that I am not an advocate for divorce, but I do believe there are circumstances that lend itself to a dissolution.

With that said, let's get started.

Commit to be Fit

Now that we're officially out of the New Year's resolution curve,

I feel like it's time for me to share one my commitments. 

I absolutely despise New Year's resolutions. 

Always have, always will.

I just feel like it's a waste of time to say . . . This year I'm going to do _______________

I'll allow you to fill in the blank.

 It's not that I'm against making resolutions, I just believe everything is a mind frame. 

You're either going to do it or not. 

Why make some grand plan only to feel disappointed with yourself later?

Nope, not I! 

I tend to say I would like to do A this year and I'm going to use B in order to accomplish it. So one thing that I would like to do is commit to being fit!

Now if you've been around Virtue for a while, you know that I hate working out and/or eating healthy food. 

Bring on the worse you have to offer. 

Buffalo wings with extra spicy sauce anyone?

Yumm.

In fact, as I write this post, I must admit that I've failed the past three nights. In order to be more fit, I started eating dinner by 7:00pm. The problem is, my metabolism burns so quickly that by the time 9:30 rolls around I'm ravenous!!

Not just hungry, oh no. 

I'm in full on give me everything you got mode! 

This a shameful admission but I've found myself begging my husband to bring me a Big Mac or Spicy McChicken on his way home from work at 10:30pm. 

The crazy part is, I don't even want those things during the day. 

Yuck!

So that's where you my wonderful readers come in. Will you commit to be fit with me?

I'm not asking you to go on some crazy diet or anything. Just commit to keeping me accountable and I'll do the same for you if you'd like. I'll check back weekly with an update and see how you're doing. Most importantly, I'll tell you how I'm progressing.

Happy fitness!!

Quote of the week

On my way to work every morning, I love to turn on the radio and listen to the rantings of the A.M. personalities.

While some information is superflous,

I never fail to gleam a piece of inspiration from them that sets the tone for my day. 

This week's "quote of the week" deals with setting goals and achieving.

Attempt something so great,

that it's bound to fail

without the hand of God.    

I don't know about you, but I always want to do things in the will and plan of my Heavenly Father. Of course we're able to do things on our own, but it's when God's hand is in our plans that we achieve the most. 

Marriage Series: Is marriage a bad thing?

Welcome to the first week of the "How to make your marriage work," series.

I'm so happy you've taken the time to educate yourself on how to have a strong marriage. Like I said previously, this series isn't just for those who are married or are currently engaged. It's truly for everyone. 

Do I need to define everyone?

The single lady 

(All the single ladies! All the single ladies!)

The dating hopeful

The "He mentioned the idea" 

The I'm not sure I ever want to take that step

The engaged

The newlywed

The long married

The separated

The divorced

And so on.

Quote of the Week

Virtue Media photos taken by Shea Christine

  Welcome to a new glorious week. 

It's such a blessing to be able to wake up on a Monday morning and have purpose. 

This week's quote of the day is courtesy of a woman whose words command life change. She is all around inspiring and challenges each and every one of us to do and be better.

Here's the quote of week from the lovely

Christine Caine.  

 "Don't chase what is not yours. 

Save your strength for your purpose."

This week, I challenge you to stop looking at those around you and wanting what they have. You've been made for a special purpose. Only you can do what God has created you to do. 

Fulfill your purpose. 

 

A Little Domesticity . . .

This year, I'm determined to be a lot more domestic. 

For the past few years, I've been living in La La land, not wanting to do the whole housewife thing. 

I mean seriously?

  Fortunately for my husband, over the past few months, a group of my girlfriends and I have been studying Proverbs 31:10 and what it means to be a 

Virtuous woman. 

As we dived into each verse, we were challenged to live above the bar that society has set for women. 

To be more, do more, and exude more. 

At first I was truly overwhelmed by the call. To go from doing regular things to so much more seemed unrealistic, unattainable and mostly undesirable.

I mean if my husband didn't expect all those things from me, why on Earth would I commit to doing them?

Slowly as I resolved to be a women of Virtue, my desire to be  more domestic erupted. So much, that I began baking and purchased the ultimate project creator . . .

A sewing machine. Gasp!

I got it while thrifting for twenty-two bucks! I figured if I spent the money, maybe I would be committed. So my goal is to sew clothes, throw pillows, and so much more. 

I have to admit I'm truly excited!

Wish me luck.

Domesticity here I come.

A Jar for Every Season!

Virtue Media

 One thing I find great joy in is planning, decorating, and then 

redecorating my home. 

It truly is my favorite place on Earth. 

As I sat and pondered one of my most versatile pieces, not to mention favorite, I realized that there was one piece that has transcended time. Originally purchased for the candy bar at my wedding reception (pictured above), it has become the centerpiece for many decor ideas and holiday treats. 

It truly is the jar for every season.

So what is this lovely piece I'm rambling on and on about? My apothecary jars of course. 

They come in so many fun shapes and sizes that they can fit into any decor scheme. While they retail for around $30 plus, you can snag one at Michael's for almost half that by using their weekly 40% off one item coupon. Find a great coupon here.

Here's one way I'm using mine as our home transitions from Christmas to a total revamp.

What are some of your favorite decor elements? Share them below!

                                                           Happy designing!

Fab Sweat Gear!

If there's anything I hate to do, it's to work out. 

Of course that's one of the most common New Year's resolutions so what's a girl to do?

As I browsed some of my favorite stores, I came across some fab workout gear. For some reason, I truly believe that if I found some uber cute things to work out in, I'd actually be motivated to do so. 

Wishful thinking?

I agree but fun sweat gear is so irresistible. Here are some great options; budget friendly, modest, and splurge worthy!

Quote of the Week!

Virtue Media

 I absolutely love quotes and tidbits of inspiration.

As I come across new ones, I'm always so tempted to share them with others.

So it was only fitting for me to start sharing 

my favorites with you, 

my wonderful readers!

Without further ado,

here's a bit of inspiration for the week 

courtesy of 

Curtis Jackson (50 cent).

"Either pray or worry, 

You can't do both."

An unlikely source yes, but a powerful message.

Have a great week!