Top Her Couture

"Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You."  Psalm 25:20 Lets face it-we all have expectation.  Some of them higher than others and being human, we naturally image things happening a certain way. . .our way!  This is unrealistic in every sense.  It is okay to want, have faith, and hope, but some things we ask of others cannot be fulfuilled exactly how we think it should be.  Today, it is about finding understanding in how our loved ones meet our expectations.  Perhaps they excel in one area more than another.  Try not to sweat the small stuff and reinsure them of your unconditional love.

Makes 4 servings 30 minutes to prep and prepare What you will need: 1 large lemon 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper 3 small red/pink grapefruits or 1 large 1 large ripe avocado 1/3 cup fresh pomegranate seeds 4 large basil leaves 1 bag of mixed greens or spinach 1 small cucumber Finely grate 1 tsp of lemon zest and squeeze 2 tbsp of lemon juice from lemon.  Whisk zest, juice, oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Peel grapefruit like an orange removing all peel and white pith.  Cut the meat from the surrounding membranes in sections and let them drop into the large bowl.  Squeeze peels and membranes over bowl to extract juices and discard.  Halve, peel, and pit avocado; cube.  Gently stir in avocado and pomegranate seeds into grapefruit mixture. Peel cucumber and cut in half.  Cube half and add to grapefruit mixture.  Slice basil and add to mixture.  Place bed of mixed greens on plate or in bowl.  Top with mixture and

With so many crash diets and home work-out videos available in the 21 st century, it is no wonder we get lost in the media of wanting to get fit.   We often find that just taking the steps into a gym is not enough.   We realize we have to set goals for ourselves as well as gain a confidence some of us barely know if at all as Rabecca Lee found out.   It is not us against the world.   It is us against us. Rabecca Lee started at the age of 15 in her journey to a fit lifestyle by taking a high school elective class in weight training.   At the time, she did not know her decision would forever change her life as she became addicted to strength training and fitness.   She continued to take her class and at night would do Cory Everson Workout videos at home.   “Yes, I am a BIG fan of Cory Everson.”   After high school, she joined a local fitness center. Admiring the sport of bodybuilding, Rabecca always wanted to compete.   What she lacked was the belief in her to get started.   At

"When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things."  The most important part of being respons ible is responding.  This said, communication is key.  So many times we allow our pride to take over and pretend that we have done nothing wrong.  We hide our imperfections and qwerks hoping others will not see what a mess we are or see the mess we have caused.  We end up lying to the people we love the most as well as ourselves.  Today, humble your flaws by forgiving yourself, asking God for forgiveness, and asking those whom you have done wrong to for forgiveness.  Know that their reactions may not be pleasant or what you expect.  Do not get defensive or lash back at them.  This is the time to set yourself free from your mistakes and let those you love realize you are ready to start on a new path of responsibility and accountability. "But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not

"What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ."  2 Corinthians 2:10 We often keep ourselves imprisoned by not forgiving and holding on to animosity, resentment, bitterness, and the anger that comes with it.  Just is love is a choice, so it forgiveness.  Carrying around the shoulda, coulda, woulda's of life can be tiring.  Today, make the choice to forgive those who have hurt or wronged you.  Set them and yourself free from the chains of unforgiveness. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."  Luke 23:34

"The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever."  1 John 2:17 Lust and love can be two of the strongest elements in life constantly in tug-o-war.  There are going to be times where one or the other takes over and the temptations of lust are going to be hard to defeat.  Being able to acknowledge when lust is present is going to be a very important part of overcoming it.  By asking questions like "Is this best for them or for me?", Is this going to hurt them?", or "Am I putting conditions on this situation?"  Decide now to open your heart to God and alleviate lust in the back bedroom.  Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it.  Destroy what keeps you away from God and love. "As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God."  1 Peter 2:16

"[Love] always protects."  1 Corinthians 13:7 Today, society relays through different media how when something is not going how we want it to or to our liking, that moving on to the next best thing is okay.  This may be what feeds the ever rising divorce rates.  Very few people, couples, or general relationships are willing to protect what they started.  We are all usually looking for the easy button.  Being able to stand for the heart and soul of not just yourself but of another takes a lot of work, strength, and selfless acts; but is well worth the outcome.  Focus on taking out any addictions, influences, etc. that are hindering your relationship(s).  Whatever is stealing your heart and affection away from those you love or love you, should be nipped in the butt.  Make sacrifices!!!! "If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles."  Job 22:23

"I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the Lord."  Love is a choice, not a feeling.  It is an initiated action, not a knee-jerk reaction.  So many times we throw our hands up and walk away even when we still love some one when they are not willing to accept our love.  Love is stronger than this and requires more effort.  Today, regardless of whether someone is will to accept your love or not, let them know you love them even if they do not return the love. Hosea 2:20

"The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire."  Taking time out of the day, even five minutes, to grow your relationship with God is important.  It is the most important relationship to build and keep.  Whether it is reading the bible, taking a religion class, going to adoration, taking a quiet hike, etc., be intentional.  Read a gospel, say a prayer, and continue to learn.  God is love. . .be satisified within Him and he will forever be in us as us. "Thou openest thine hand, and satisfied the desire of every living thing."  Psalm 145:16 Isaiah 58:11

"While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."  Romans 5:6 Half way through the dares and hoping we see that God is love.  He sent His only son to die for our sins.  Through pains, suffering, requisitions, acquisitions-Jesus Christ gave His life for us.  Think about the selflessness and love it takes for someone to do this.  Dare to pray, "Lord Jesus, I’m a sinner. But You have shown Your love for me by dying to forgive my sins, and You have proven Your power to save me from death by Your resurrection. Lord, change my heart, and save me by Your grace." "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old."  Isaiah 63:9

"Let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God."  Almost half way there and the realization is God is the only one we can rely on to change our hearts and give us the ability to love.  Our responsibility is to make the choice to accept it and use it.  There are always going to be some days that are easy and some that are harder. . .maybe down right impossible.  Asking God for strength and grace and finding out where you stand with Him is a big feat.  Keep growing in your love for God and use it as a stepping stone to love those around you and build solid, loving, trustworthy relationships. 1 John 4:7

"How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding."  The closest most intimate of relationships require we continue to learn about the other person.  The most value thing any one person can spend is time.  Today, take a friend to lunch or prepare a nice dinner for your lover.  Turn off your cell phones, the t.v., and make it just about you two.  Talk about things you may have not talked about in awhile or ever.  No matter how fancy the dinner or where you choose to have a night together, make it enjoyable for the other person as well as yourself. "Wisdom is the principal thing; get wisdom: and with all they getting get understanding."  Proverbs 4:7 Proverbs 3:13

"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."  Proverbs 17:9 There is a level of intimacy with every relationship.  Intimacy is not just wrestling around under the sheets.  It is about making another person feel safe regardless of qwerks, issues, mistakes, struggles, etc.  It is about listening and protecting their secrets.  Of course, if these secrets harm others or themselves, then this dare is not applicable and an intervention is a good idea.  Today, be the listener and the guardian of those closest to you. "I am my beloved's, and my beloved mine: he feedeth among the lilies."  Song of Solomon 6:3

"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."  3 John 2 One of the most important parts of love is the relationship and/or bond developed between two people.  This is where we start to learn to be selfless.  This is where we learn what parts of these relationships need help to grow.  Today, pick three places in your marriage, friendships, and/or relationships where you desire God to work.

"Live with your wives in an understanding way . . . and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life."  1 Peter 3:7  Many times in life we all take something for granted and many times it ends up being the person or people that mean the most to us.  Perhaps we get caught up in habit and just expect them to continually be there or maybe our ego/pride gets the best of us.  Whatever the excuse is, crumble it up and throw it away.  Today, honor a friend, family member, or lover by going above and beyond the norm.  Show them just how much they are appreciated.  Let them know they are important and highly esteemed in you eyes.

"Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life."  Ecclesiastes 9:9 Recently, a friend said he did not know how to love.  We can accept that many people go through life not learning how to love because they, themselves, were not loved the way God wanted them to be.  The first step to 'how' is making a choice to love and making time for your choice.  Today, it is about pushing aside one of our activities to do something with a friend, family member, or loved one.  Do something with no thought of your wants; do what they enjoy.  The important part is to be together.

"If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand."  With any relationship there are boundaries set in place to keep the interaction mutual and fair.  No relationship gets far with lies, deceit, low blows, or prideful thought.  Having a set of personal rules to fight by will help to difuse a disagreement and let others know what your last straw may be (and vice versa).  The important part of this is open communication with friends, family, and loved ones.  This makes sure everyone is on the same page and assumptions can be put to rest.  They may not be ready to hear your list, but that does not mean you cannot start abiding by them today. "Be of the same mind one toward another.  Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.  Be not wise in your own conceits."  Romans 12:16 Mark 3:25

"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."  Our society has slowly let go of God's purpose for us.  We have become so self centered it becomes hard to find honesty, loyalty, respect, and love among us (especially in the relationships that mean the most).  There is a sense of maturity and growth that comes with love.  Sometimes to stop the crazy cycle many relationships get in, one must be willing to 'insert foot in mouth' and agree to disagree.  Today, it is about giving in to an area of disagreement and agreeing to their preference.  Let go of your ego and show a friend, family member, or loved one that you value their opinion(s) as much as your own. "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."  Romans 12:18 Philippians 2:4

"Husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies."  Ephesians 5:28 Love is a choice.  Love takes effort.  Today is about putting thought behind your love for others'.  There is always going to be something a relationship needs.  Perhaps they did not have time to tidy up the house.  Perhaps they do not have the means to get that one last Christmas present.  Where ever your friends, family, spouse, or other relationships are lacking; pick up the slack!  Let them know you cherish them.

　 "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8 Love always begins with a choice, then comes the actions to solidify the choice.  Many times we rely on other people to tell us how we should or should not feel, what we should or should not do; usually wanting someone to justify it.  This human quality is part of our egos.  It is in place to make us feel like we are in control and make us feel right (even if deep down we know it may not be the best option).  The Lord is constantly working in our lives regardless of whether we want to listen or not.  He is unconditional. Today, show your love by doing something out of the ordinary for someone you love, admire, or are close to.  Show them you choose to love them without false motivations and want to be in their life no matter what others' may think/say. "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect

"Greet one another with a kiss of love."  1 Peter 5:14 Love is a simple act.  No it is not always easy.  No it is not flawless; but it is something everyone yearns for.  There is a two way street in every relationship that is unwritten, but known.  Each person requires a certain amount of energy, time, and love to be put back in their tank.  This can be from friends, family, lover, or even a stranger.  When in an intimate relationship remember it takes 100% from each person-not 50/50!  Be sure to greet those you love today with enthusiasm and smiles.  Make your love contagious!! "For we have great joy and consolation in thy love because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother . . "  Philemon 1:7

　 "Love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire."  Song of Solomon 8:6 The current generations are bred to believe those who get what you want are the enemy.  It could be time, money, things, or even another person.  It cultivates anger, resentment, and jealousy.  Life is not about what we want but what God wants for us 9and it may not be what they have).  Take that negative list we wrote and dispose of it-burn it, shred, it, tear it into a thousand different pieces!  It is time to focus on the positive traits in each any every person and situation.  Today, be someone's rock-their cheerleader.  Acknowledge the success in other people's life and feel the peace when jealousy is not eating you alive. "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."  Romans 12:15  

"[Love] believes all things, hopes all things."  1 Corinthians 13:7 Our dear pope once said that love does not make us blind but shows us exactly what we need to see.  So much of the world is consumed in chaos.  Flip on the television and just try to find a positive or inspirational story.  Chances are they are harder to find.  We focus so much on the negative we often forget about the positive.  Today, this is a chance to write down positive attributes and negative ones.  Pick a spouse, friend, family member, or even yourself.  These two separate sheets should be stored for later use; but before you tuck them away; pick something from the positive list and compliment that person on this attribute. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. "  Phillipians 4:8