Conveying the Gospel

Hey y’all! Thanks for dropping by Little Things and Sunshine! The WordPress Daily Prompt for today is “Conveyor”. What does it mean to convey? The Merriam-Webster dictionary says, “A: to bear from one place to another; especially: to move in a continuous stream or mass. B: to impart or communicate by statement, suggestion, tester, or appearance.” Today I want to focus on how this word “convey” relates to how we share the Gospel.

In the routine of day-to-day, it is so easy to brush someone off or skip out on fellowship. I know that I really struggle with avoiding people when I get busy. Its just so much easier to stay home and hide lol. But that’s not what Christians are supposed to do. We should, not only have direct conversations with people about Christ, but also convey His love on a daily basis. Its the small words of encouragement to a co-worker or the way you greet the barista at Starbucks that can make their day so much better. Look forward to these seemingly “small” opportunities! They are just as important as the big mission trips and deep conversations. By conveying the Gospel through the little things, we already have a head start on the big opportunities. Only God can plant the seed in the hearts of the lost. Pray that He would give you the strength to convey His truth throughout your day. Let’s be conveyors of the Good News.

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”

(Matthew 5:15–16, NIV)

Thanks for stopping by! What are your thoughts on conveying the Gospel? Let me know in the comments below:)

Emerald

via Daily Prompt: Conveyor

 

BREAKFAST

Wholegrain mini waffles with bananas, peanut butter, agave nectar, slivered almonds, and Trader Joe’s Super Seed and Ancient Grain blend.

3 Ways to Keep Your Resolutions

Hey y’all! If you’re anything like me, you get all excited for the new year and plan many resolutions to make yourself a new and improved person. Needless to say, mid-January rolls around and all of those improvements seem much less appealing. So how can we keep up the good work in a realistic way?

1. Consolidate – Yes we want to have a killer body, eat kale everyday, and solve world hunger, but let’s be real. If you feel like you set a few too many large goals, go through and reexamine the list. Make sure that everything on the list are things that are practical and that you need to achieve. Don’t overwhelm yourself all at once.
2. Specify – Be very specific in your goals. If your goal is to “Get Healthy” then your process will be much harder. You’ve given little accountability by not specifying to yourself what it is you’re going to do to achieve that goal. Try making specific goals such as “Run 12 Miles Per Week” or “Have Vegetarian Monday”. Creating specific goals will be much more manageable to achieve.
3. Faith – It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our appearance and material possessions when evaluating life. Remember to make God the main priority in all of your goals. Pray for the strength to meet those difficult resolutions and for guidance in the process. Don’t be afraid to pray about the difficulties in your weight-loss journey or decluttering project. Nothing is too small for God.

Those are my tips! Over the next few months, encourage each other in your resolutions. Be a blessing to people this year.

Thanks for stopping by!

Emerald

17 Favorite Songs of 2017

Happy New Year! I’m so glad that you stopped by my blog, Little Things and Sunshine. Last year, I posted my favorite worship songs of 2016 (you can find that post here).  This year, I thought that I would share my favorite songs of 2017, secular and Christian. These may seem a bit random, as there’s quite a variety of genres lol, but this is what I’ve been loving;)

• Words as Weapons (US Version) – Birdy
• He Will Hold Me Fast – Norton Hall Band
• How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
• Sweet Creature – Harry Styles
• All I Have Is Christ (Live) – Sovereign Grace Music
• Wonderfully Made – Ellie Holcomb
• Perfect Duet – Ed Sheeran & Beyoncé
• It’s All Coming Back to Me Now – Céline Dion
• Waving Through a Window – Dear Evan Hansen
• Broke – Lecrae
• Old Hymns/New Hearts – Tom McConnell
• Beautiful – Carol King
• He’s Always Been Faithful – Chelsea Moon & Uncle Daddy
• Let It Be – The Beatles
• The Power of the Cross – Keith & Kristyn Getty
• Funny (Live) – Tori Kelly
• Take My Life – Norton Hall Band

What are your favorite songs of 2017? Comment down below!

Emerald @ Little Things and Sunshine

In the Bleak Mid-Winter

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by my blog, Little Things and Sunshine. My goal with this blog has always been to help people find joy in life’s little blessings, but I also need to be honest about the darkness. After all, if it never rained would we truly look forward to the sun?

The past few months have been a bit of a blurry jumble for me. If I’m to be truthful, I will  have to admit that I’ve had a lot of darkness over my mind and heart. When you’re in a “slump” or just feel down, it’s very hard to find motivation or inspiration. The world can  seem empty of new ideas. Maybe it’s part of the winter. Feeling down or even depressed is supposed to be a normal thing for people this time of year. Perhaps it’s the darkness and bleakness that wraps around this season like a coat. As humans, we tend to grasp onto this darkness so quickly. At least I know I do. This morning (Christmas Eve) I had to sing In the Bleak Mid-Winter for my church’s service, and it really opened my heart. The whole song just made me come to terms with how unbelievably broken we all are. Broken plans, broken words, broken friends, broken self, a broken world. It forced me to examine everything that I had let my heart settle into and become comfortable with. I had become stuck in the bleakness of winter.

Thankfully there is One who is not held by the winter, but instead holds it in the palms of His hands. God sent His son Jesus Christ to take on our sorrows that night so long ago. He didn’t send Him as a dignified ruler, but as a baby who would spend His first nights in a stable. There was no great ceremony acknowledging that He had finally arrived, but three wise men and a few lowly shepherds came to bow before His manger. I wonder if they knew what I’ve been avoiding this whole Christmas season – that Christ came, not to promise that we wouldn’t face troubles, but to be Our Rock in all seasons. He didn’t come so that we could open presents and curl up next to a warm fire. Things break and fires eventually burn out. Christ came in the middle of the bleak mid-winter to give us hope and peace that will not ever fade.

This Christmas, my prayer is that God will give me joy and peace when those two don’t seem possible. I pray that He continues to use the darkness to bring me closer to Him. I also pray that God would open my eyes and heart to know that His glory is in every situation.

I know that the storm is not over yet, but I also know that I don’t have to walk through it alone. Christ has given us salvation that we may go in peace.

Merry Christmas! I hope that you travel safely and take time to remember The Joy of the World.

Emerald

P.S. Take a moment to read the lyrics and listen to In the Bleak Mid-Winter…

“In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

CHORUS
Gloria, Gloria
Now my eyes have seen;
Soli Deo Gloria!
He, salvation brings
As the Lord has promised,
I may go in peace

What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give him: give my heart.”

— ORIG. MUSIC BY HOLST AND DVORAK. ORIG. WORDS BY CHRISTINA ROSSETTI. ADDITIONAL WORDS, MUSIC, AND ARRANGEMENT BY KEITH GETTY AND KRISTYN GETTY

I Have an Etsy Store!

Hey y’all! For today’s one-word prompt, I thought that I would share something that makes me very jolly. As you can see by the title, I have opened my own Etsy store! Earlier this month I decided to take a risk and order several hundred dollars worth of vintage clothing off of an online bulk wholesale store. Needless to say, it was kinda nerve-racking to order so much inventory from a place all the way in Philadelphia. Thankfully, pretty much everything that they sent me was amazing! I have piles of vintage denim, t-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts, and so much more. As of last week, I officially opened my store on Etsy and have already had my first order! Want to know more? Just keep scrolling;)

---

 

• What is your store called?

My Etsy store is called Vagary Vintage.

• What all are you selling?

On Vagary Vintage, you’ll find an assortment of vintage apparel. There are hoodies, sweaters, mom-jeans, denim jackets, and t-shirts. Most of it is 80s and 90s vintage, but there are some great 70s pieces to come! I try to add several new items every weeks, so check in often. Here are a few pics of my current inventory…

• How can I find Vagary Vintage?

To find my store, you can search VagaryVintage on Etsy. Either my store-front or my listings will pop up. You can also follow us on Pinterest by clicking here.

---

 

Well thanks for stopping by! I hope you are all having a very jolly Christmas season.

Emerald

P.S. Come by later this week for some holiday recipes!

via Daily Prompt: Jolly

Last-Minute Gift Guide

Hey y’all! It seems like the holiday season is just flying by! Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is only 17 days away. Most of us have probably purchased most of the gifts on our lists already, but what about those hard-to-please family members or last minute hostess gifts? Whatever the dilemma is, there is sure to be something on this gift guide to please everyone.

• Casetify phone case – This company makes some of the cutest high-quality cases that I’ve seen. Not only are they adorable, but they’re also supposed to provide great protection. Casetify also makes Macbook sleeves, Apple Watch bands, and a variety of other tech items. With the wide selection of designs, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your last-minute list.
• Redbox gift cards and promo codes – Need a little something to stick in stockings or add to cards? You can actually purchase movie/game rental promo codes and gift cards at redbox.com. This can also be a perfect addition to a movie-night hostess gift basket.
• Classic Book Collections – For the bookworms, home decor junkies, or nameless others, a set of beautiful classic books, such as these, is the perfect gift. These types of sets are great for a variety of age ranges from your six year old niece, to your cranky great aunt;)
• Hot-chocolate Kit – If you don’t mind a minor DIY, a kit like this makes for a quick and easy gift. All you need is a cute jar, hot chocolate mix, and any toppings, such as marshmallows or chocolate chips! (It’s also very budget friendly.)
• Subscription boxes – These are literally the gifts that keep on giving. They come in a variety of themes, frequency, and prices so it’s easy to find something for everyone. For Her: Ipsy, POPSUGAR Must Have, EarFleek, The Bookish Box, CampusCube, or FabFitFun box. For Him: Birchbox Man, Geek Fuel, Say it with a Sock, CampusCube for Guys, Dollar Shave Club, or Boomtown Box.

I hope that this helps make your Christmas shopping a bit easier! If you have anything to add, please leave a comment below!

Thanks for stopping by,

Emerald

How to Reboot After Thanksgiving

If you’re anything like me, you probably ate way too much Thanksgiving and now feel groggy and bloated. The mounds of turkey, buckets of gravy, and lack of green vegetables can be quite the trial. Trust me, the struggle is real lol. Since we’re probably all in the same boat, I thought I would share a few tips to help you get back on track…

1. Drink More Water ~ Water is always mandatory, but is especially helpful when high sodium and greasy foods are apart of the scenario. Drinking a little more water than you typically do will help you to flush out those toxins and feel much better.
2. Exercise ~ Adding more movement into your schedule over the next week will help to cleanse your system even more. Taking the stairs, parking farther away from the store, or maybe even hiking this weekend are great ways to boost your physical activity.
3. Keep Breakfast Clean ~ This week, really watch what you eat for breakfast. What you choose to fuel your body with first sets the tone for the rest of the day. For a quick and easy breakfast, try making a dressed up bowl of oatmeal such as Good Morning Breakfast Oats.  They will keep you full until lunch and give you the energy to conquer the day.
4. Pray for Gratitude ~ Thanksgiving is about giving thanks and celebrating harvest, but how often do we think about gratitude any other time of year? Let’s remember to thank God daily for His blessings AND trials. Pray that God would give you gratitude for every situation in life. The hardships help us to appreciate the good times.

Thanks for stopping by Little Things and Sunshine! Feel free to leave any tips you have for getting “back on track” in the comments below.

Have a blessed week,

Emerald

3 Ways to Eat Chia Seeds

Hey Y’all! I’m sure you’ve heard about chia seeds, the tiny super foods that all of the celebrities and health food junkies rave about. Chia seeds contain loads of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, omega 3, fiber, and protein. They’re one of my favorite things to incorporate into meals and snacks. Here are just a few of the ways I love to sprinkle them into my diet;)
   In my nut-butter~ One of the easiest ways to add chia seeds into your regular meals and snacks is through nut-butters. Sprinkle some into almond butter to enjoy with apples or celery.  In my smoothie bowls~ Another much raved about food item is the smoothie bowl. I love to add chia seeds as a topping along with frozen mango, shredded coconut, and hemp seeds.

 In my homemade popsicles~ One of my favorite treats are homemade popsicles. It is so easy to combine fresh fruits, and even vegetables, into healthy indulgences that can by enjoyed by the whole family. For convenience, I like to blend all-natural fruit juice, frozen berries, and chia seeds in a blender, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze overnight for an anytime pick-me-up.

Thank you so much for joining me at Little Things and Sunshine! For more posts like this, you can follow me by simply clicking the button on the right or down below. Let me know what your favorite ways to eat chia seeds are, and I hope you have a great day!

Emerald

3 Ways to Unwind

About this time of year, mid-terms arrive and work schedules seem to be never ending. It is so easy to get bogged down and let the stress of day-to-day life get to you. With that being said, it is also just as easy to unwind after a long day. A little bit of self-care can go a long way in bringing much needed relaxation. Here are just a few ways that I like to unwind when life gets crazy…

A Cup O’ Tea: Ahhhh I love tea! For me there is nothing better after a long day than sipping on a cup of tea as I settle down for the night. Some of my favorites for relaxation include Traditional Medicinal’s Organic Throat Coat tea, Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Honey tea, and Twining’s Lemon and Ginger tea.

Working Out: It is crazy how much stress can be released through exercise. Most days, I like to go for a run, stretch or do yoga, or do a floor barre or boxing workout video off of Youtube. Just moving, especially after sitting all day working on school and writing, eases my mind and makes for a much better night’s sleep.

 

Listening to Podcasts and Music: While reading is great for relaxing, after looking at school books and a computer screen for most of the day, it often hurts my eyes and is just unappealing. Instead I really enjoy listening to a podcast or music while I sip my tea, walk, or get ready for bed. For podcasts, my two favorites are Glorious in the Mundane, a podcast by Christian singer/songwriter Christy Nockels, and Gospel in Life, a podcast of sermons by Timothy Keller. For music, I love listening to artists such as Audrey Assad, Ellie Holcomb, and the Norton Hall Band. My Encouraging Morning playlist has some of my favorite songs by these artists.

Well there you go! Thank you for visiting me here at Little Things and Sunshine.  I hope these suggestions help you to “take a deep breath”. If you have any favorite ways to unwind, let me know in the comments!

Emerald