Let go of your shame.

This past week I started a new women's Bible study at my church. It is called Unashamed by Christine Caine.

The study talks about how everyone feels shame, but especially women. We feel shame from things we have done in our past, bad choices we have made, things other people have done to us. And we allow those things and circumstances to define who we are. We label ourselves "unworthy", "unlovable", or "not enough". 

We fail to remember how God see us.

That we are loved. We are His child. Even though we are flawed and sinful, there is nothing we can do that would make Him stop loving us. 

It really made me think while watching Christine speak, how easy it is for us to believe the lies others tell us or the lies we tell ourselves than to believe what truth God says about us. And I still wonder why that is. It seems so backwards.

One women at my table shared a conversation she had with a friend. She was upset and putting herself down when her friend stopped her. Her friend said, "Would you let someone else say those things about you? Then why do you say them about yourself?"

It was really eye opening how easy it is for us to believe these lies we are telling ourselves.

Christine kept talking about our "who" and our "do". What you "do" does not define "who" you are. They are completely separate categories. Your identity in Christ is the one and only opinion that matters.

This is something I have struggles with myself. I have and still do believe that I am not enough for people. I never seem to measure up. I feel unlovable because of struggles I am still going through. I have thought many times "what guy would want to be with me?". I know how God feels about me, but I need to learn to constantly remind myself of it and believe it.

Disclaimer: I was not contacted by Christine or her team to talk about this. This is my own experience and I wanted to share.

"You will begin to heal when you let go of past hurts, forgive those who have wronged you and learn to forgive yourself for your mistakes."-Unknown

Hello! It has been a while... I stopped posted on here two years ago because it become too stressful for me. But lately, I have been feeling like starting it back up again. But in a much different way. Before, I was posting mostly DIY tutorials, outfit of the days (OOTD) and a nail polish post here and there. I may still do those things, but I have it on my heart to write about my experiences. To hopefully bring positivity to others, help someone through a similar situation and overall just to get things off my chest. I have also been wanting to get my Etsy up and running again. I hope to include some of the items I sell as well. A lot has changed in two years, with myself and the world. I hope to make people think, relate and understand different aspects and perspectives. I am a Christ follower and I plan to include such feelings and beliefs in my posts. I plan to state my opinion and not offend others. I hope people read with an open mind and not a defensive spirit. You don't have to believe what I do or have the same opinions. But we all deserve respect and I hope whoever reads my posts will remember that.


I am just human being trying to navigate this world and follow God's purpose for my life.
I hope you come along for the ride!

Etsy Store

All scarfs and hats $10 off on my etsy store!

Come check it out!  www.etsy.com/shop/smantey

Cat Graphic Tank Top

Supplies:

Tank top or T-shirt

Acrylic Paint

Paint Brush

X-Acto knife

Flash Cards

Piece of Cardboard

1. Draw your design on a flash card and use the x-acto knife of cut it out. (cutting out multiple stencils it helpful)

2. Place the piece of cardboard inside the shirt to prevent the paint from bleeding through.

3. Paint in your design. I noticed painting from the outside in was easiest.

4. Remove stencil

5. Repeat until desired amount.

Enjoy!!

Bleached Love T-shirt

Supplies: Dark colored T-shirt

Bleach Pen

Stencil

Cardboard

1. Use your stencil to draw your design onto your shirt. I used fabric chalk to trace it.

2. Place cardboard inside your shirt to make sure bleach doesn't transfer to the back of your shirt.

3. Trace your design with the bleach pen.

4. Wait until you see it start to change color. Don't wait too long since you don't want the bleach to eat away at the cloth.

5. Take the cardboard out of the shirt.

6. Rinse the shirt in cold water to stop the bleaching process.

7. Let air dry or place in the dryer.

Enjoy!

** Please be carful using bleach, it can be harmful to your skin and other clothing**

Decorative Cavas Bag

Supplies: Canvas Bag or T-shirt

Pencil

Acrylic Paint

Stencil 

X- Acto Knife(not pictured)

1. Print out a shape or word to use as a stencil. I traced an ornament instead.

2. Using an x acto knife, cut out your shape or word.

3. Center your design, use tape to keep in place. Begin stamping with the eraser end of the pencil.

4. Continue until desired design.

I wanted to apologize about not posting for the past two weeks. Things have been difficult for me lately and my blog was pushed to the back burner. But I really hope to continue back on my Monday and Friday schedule.

I hope you understand.

S