A Girl out of her Comfort Zone

This summer, I have the opportunity to go on an exposure trip to San Jose, Costa Rica for 13 days. Serving the locals along side an organization called Students International. We will get to serve at multiple sites participating in wood shop, education, women's social work, and sports! I'm thrilled that I have the privilege of co-leading this trip with my friend Patrick. Our team is amazing! They have hearts that are pursing a lifestyle of serving others. We are all so excited to be sent to Costa Rica to love and serve!

A question that others have been asking and that I have asked myself sometimes: why missions? Well, on a Sunday night at the Well Community church, our pastor shared that the Well was sending out 4 missions trips for this upcoming summer. I'm pretty sure he called me out by name from the stage. Ok, not exactly my name, but he might as well have used my name and pointed me out. I felt so convicted. Ya know, that pit in your stomach that seems to grow? I mean, I love to serve those around me, so why wouldn't I go? Then thoughts crept into my mind... 'Won't this be expensive?' 'I'm sure other people will go, so do I really need too?' 'Will my husband be okay without me, will I be okay without him?' Yes, these are all real thoughts that crept into my mind. And for a moment, I thought those silly thoughts were my "way out".  

I wrestled with these feelings of conviction of being sent to share my spiritual gifts, and loving on these people. Feeling the Holy Spirit tug at my heart, and me hold up my excuses as if they held any form validity to not go. My poor husband must of thought I had lost my mind! 

3 days later, I remember telling my pastor 'I'm in, send me.' 

The moment it all came clear, was when I remembered that it's not about me. That is when I knew my excuses were just that, excuses. God doesn't take excuses, its not like we can ask for a free pass on his plan, if it doesn't "fit into our schedule". We need to choose to be obedient, and choose to trust in His plan for us. Those excuses held no control over me as I chose to follow the calling the Lord placed on my heart.  It's not about my routine in my life, or my comfort.  I have an opportunity to be sent.  To go and serve and love.  What else could I do better with my time than to glorify Lord? 

This adventure excites me!  When I think about the women I get to spend time with, and the children I get to go love on,  I am filled with joy. I mean, I'm really excited about the sports that these children will teach me, because Lord knows I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to sports.

But really, I'm looking forward to connecting with the people, experiencing their culture, hearing their stories and serving them.

Matthew 28:19

from my heart,
Danielle 

Wedding season is upon us!

It seems at this stage in life more and more friends are getting engaged, and married! Such an exciting time! We are attending 4 weddings this year!!

I love the idea of showering our friends with gifts! But, we are on a budget. I've been thinking of ways I can be creative, and bless our friends with a gift as they start their lives together, without breaking our bank.

So where does one on a budget find great gifts? One of my favorite stores is Anthropologie. Its seriously all the things I could ever want in one store! A beautiful mix of whimsy and charm, such a fun style! Below, I'll share some of my best finds! ( Oh, and all at reasonable prices!)

Tea towels, fun oven mitts, adorable aprons, colorful bowls, initial coffee mugs, and a delicious candle! These are just a few of my favorite things from Anthro that would make great bridal shower or wedding gifts!

Another super cute idea for a gift, that I've recently seen, is a honeymoon bag! I love the idea of a fun print tote with sunscreen, sunnies, beach towels, bug spray, magazines, and maybe even a bottle of champagne!

When it comes to cards I try not to spend too much. Cards can be pricy! I would rather spend more on the actual gift than the card. If you are feeling crafty, consider making a card with craft materials you already have!

Do you have a gift you typically like to give for weddings or bridal showers? Do you mix it up and purchase things off the registry or do you stick with what is on the registry? I want to hear your thoughts! :)

from my heart,
Danielle

Green Thumb

Happy Monday! So, I have been attempting my "green thumb" by growing some veggies. It has also been a hobby that my mother really enjoys. She loves spending time outdoors and loves growing all kinds of plants. One year, she even attempted pumpkins! So now that I am a married lady, I have been wanting a new hobby for myself. I'm trying this out. Usually I can't keep plants alive. Its tragic, but its the truth. So I did some research and made a promise to water them and give them attention. I'm really hoping for these plants to flourish!

So here is what I have planted; tomato's, green bell pepper's, red bell pepper's and cucumbers!

I can't wait to see what comes from them. I'll post an update on my "garden" once things start to happen! I hope I have good things to share.

Have you tried growing any veggies? What is your favorite to grow?

from my heart,
Danielle

The Power of Words

"If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Something we have probably all heard. What if we actually used this saying to filter our words to one another? When we choose to speak hurtful words, not out of love, but out of hurt, we somehow think this is okay. I say we, because I too am guilty of these things. 

We have the ability to uplift one another with our words. To speak with truth and love. To encourage one another. Instead, we use our words as weapons to break each other down. When we feel jealous, intimidated, or hurt by someone, we speak lies to make ourselves feel better.  But does it? Of course not. It shows our own hearts, it shows our character. It does not show love. But isn't that our mission on this earth? To share love? 

I believe when we choose to hurt someone else with our words, it does not only hurt the other person, but it does something to us. When we spew out lies and hurt to others we ultimately hurt ourselves, we hinder our own soul.  

So let us all build one another up with words of encouragement and love. Check your heart before you share your words. Let us love one another with our words! 

from my heart,

Danielle

Patio Dreamin'

My Hubs and I rent an apartment and unfortunately, our Patio is teeny-tiny. With my love of hosting and this warm weather we have been having, I have been craaaaving an outdoor dinner with some friends. I would love nothing more than to fire up the BBQ, make up a batch of strawberry margaritas, and welcome the cool evening breeze. Yes, yes please.  

Here are a couple of inspirations I’ve been swooning over…

Photo Credit: topinspired.com/

Photo Credit: http://waterproofvalentines.tumblr.com/post/46036578418/smores-sooiree

Photo Credit: pinterest.com

Dreaming of these lovely colors, beautiful table tops. Can't wait until the day I have a backyard to be creative with!

from my heart, 

Danielle

Welcome!

Why Flourishing with Grace? 

Flourishing is a word that best describes who I am. To Flourish means to grow or develop in a healthy way. Especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment. I live each day in hope to stay and keep my life deeply rooted in Christ. Therefore I feel I Flourish from this, and my hope is to share this with others!  

Grace. I am defined by the word Grace. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves – it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8). 

I may love to admire all the pretty things in life, but I know there is more to life than material things, and as I go through life appreciating all the threads that God has given for me to Flourish, I hope I learn more of His grace every day.  

May we live lives that Flourish and explore the many threads in life that intertwine with Grace!

Photo Credit: Pinterest

from my heart,
Danielle