Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: Ways To Worship

I think often we see worship as clear cut acts-such as singing on a Sunday morning (which definitely can be) or praying routinely..but whenever I begin to "put worship inside of a box" like that, I remind myself of this. God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him. (Wordsmithery credit due to John Piper) And what's a synonym for the word "glorify"? Oh yeah! Worship :) So with that said, here are ten ways I myself worship the Lord. Remember to hop on over to BecKyle's list as well!

1. The one I'm intentionally focusing on the most currently is Gospel Rehearsal. As Christians we should not throw the Gospel on the backburner after the moment of salvation. It should be part of your morning, noon, and night-time routine to remind yourself of it. For more on that, you can (and I would urge you to) buy a book here  titled A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent. I can't imagine anyone who could regret that purchase.

2. Another big one for me is journaling. Whether it is a thankful journal, prayer journal, adoration journal, etc. I like to write things. I am a firm believer in the importance of journaling for women-the main reason being that it is a structured place to vomit your thoughts. If you have a Y chromosome you know what I am talking about. Womens' minds run 49234852 miles per hour all the time, and to slow down to the speed of your penmanship and let it all out is very helpful.

3. Time in God's Word is a huge form of worship! In fact, my next 3 ways sort of "stem off" of this one. It can be 1 Chapter or a whole testament (ok, so that's unrealistic) but my point is that for anything really-time in the Scripture is crucial. And what better way to praise and adore God, than to cherish what He has given to us and the parts of Himself that He has revealed to us?!? Bibles are a treasure!

           4. Going deeper into the idea of worshiping through time in the Bible, is my next form-                         memorization. I've only been at work on this one for a month or two, but the results of it                     in my life have been monumental.

          5. Next under the heading of "Time in God's Word" is meditation. I don't mean sitting "criss                cross apple sauce" on a yoga mat making humming noises. What I mean by meditation is;                    constantly mulling over and considering-bringing back into the front of your mind. The best                example I can think of is this: Job 37:14 "Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the                            wondrous works of God." 

         6.  Sorry this next one doesn't start with an "m", it's a disappointment I know. Prayer. It's not                always directly through Scripture, but definitely can be, and should be paired together! About              to open your Bible? Pray. About to open your mouth? (Especially about God's Word) Pray.                  Excited or thankful about something? Pray. Sad and discouraged? Pray. You get the point.


7. Being a servant can also be a form of worship. Which has a ginormous range of possibilities.

8. Fellowship with other Believers is another one! Whether that means a dedicated discipleship realtionship-or watching Dr. Who together..you can definitely worship through fellowship!

9. One of the most common-yet so often misused forms of worship is music. I myself am a big fan of music. I sing everywhere I go and I find myself singing along to songs I don't even like-just because I know the words. I have overwhelming urges to burst into song! And I can use that to draw my heart closer to the Lord, or pull my focus back in where it should be. Not just the 3 songs on a Sunday morning, but a constant worshipful practice.

10. You may think I am being jokeful about this one-but I swear on my bookshelf that I am not! Coffee is my last but not least way to worship. And not exclusively coffee, but really anything enjoyable. As aforementioned.. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him! So can I enjoy my coffee 10x more with that mindset? ABSOLUTELY! And believe me, the first time I was introduced to this concept and way of thinking I was actually out of town for lunch and coffee. Best coffee I have ever consumed-no joke.

Happy Tuesday! Go drink some coffee for the glory of God and have a splendid New Year! :)

Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: Worry Free Life

I am breaking the rules of the "Top Ten" today. Because My answer is simple, and does not contain ten parts. And before, or after, or during (if you're that talented) you read my post..hop on over to BecKyle's list!

As a precursor, I would like to add that I do not mean "trouble free" or any variation of the word. I mean worry free. So without further adieu, here is the most important ingredient that I know of to have a worry free life.

The Gospel

I don't mean to be cliche, and I'm not just giving you some sort of "Sunday School answer" I truly believe that the most important element to being stress free is rehearsing the Gospel. Over and over and over aaaaaand over again. If you are grounded in the truth that is the gospel, not much can shake you. No, you should not become stagnant and never grow, but everything is and should be grounded upon the Gospel. It is like having a good stance in any sport. Yes, you do more than just stand there-but without that foundational piece, you won't get far. 

There are more components to being worry free, but I believe they all start there. Here's why:

• If you aren't a Christian, you will have worry, and lots of it.
• Your trust in God's sovereignty will increase! After all, worry is a lack of trust. 
• Relationships will benefit positively if you are reminded of being saved from your sin-eliminating relational worry.
• You will rest in your salvational security, and the power of God. 
• You will have peace, understanding that this life isn't for you. And the ability to let go of things that are imperative to less stress.
• Meditating on Gospel truths will cause you to be more aware of God's hand in your life, whether it be blessings or trials, and lead to rejoicing, thanking, and reliance. A.k.a prayer.
• If you are rehearsing the Gospel to yourself constantly, one of those means is Scripture. The Gospel is all over in Scripture, and by exploring that you will discover more about the Savior you are focusing on!
• Satan won't have as easy of a way in if you don't give him the chance. Overwhelm your mind with the good news and he won't easily get to you. 

I could go on and on, because really, most everything goes back to this.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures" 

Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: Winter Wardrobe Favorites

Much alike my Favorite Spring Outfits, this time I will list 10 things I find essential to my winter wardrobe. Gosh now I am thinking of the wardrobe from "The Chronicles of Narnia"...all of those coats, and then the snow as they stepped out. Talk about a "SQUIRREL" moment. So without further adieu, here they are! And don't forget to check out BecKyle's list as well!

1. Hoodies!
I feel like this deserves the #1 spot, because I wear them the most. There is something about a comfortable and well worn hoodie that calls me away from a closet full of flatering outfits, and beckons me into it's embrace. Yes, I love hoodies..like this wonderful and nerdy one.

 2. Boots
 Confession time...I find every excuse to wear boots ever season of the year. No, I don't always succeed, but you will always find me trying. I love boots. Honestly I love most everything about fall and winter fashion.

 3. Leather Gloves

 This winter I have actually gained a new interest in such gloves. I really like leather, or things that look like leather for that matter :)

4. Sweaters

Sweaters are fantastic. Whether bulky and big, or fitted and flattering-I enjoy sweaters and find them as a must-have. Cable knit is my favorite.

5. Scarves
When scarf season rolls around, I become giddy, and usually end up wearing them when the weather hardly permits..whether or not that means a damp neck from too many layers. Scarves are so fun!

6. Pea-coats!
I have a slate grey one, and a deep plum colored one as well. Much alike scarves and boots (and basically everything on this list) I find an excuse to wear them any time possible. Of course only across a wonderful sale (because I find it ridiculous to spend a hundred or two on any piece of clothing) I am opting for a hounds-tooth one next!

7. Boot Socks
Pinterest gave me the wonderful idea to go to Goodwill, buy cheap sweaters, and cut off the sleeves to make sock-like cuffs as boot socks. They came to $1.50 a pair, as opposed to the cheapest retail price of $9. Score!

8. Vests

This winter I have been experimenting with a new puffy vest I got. The thing is incredible, and a new favorite of mine. I am wanting to try out an outfit like this.

9. Slouchy Hat
I love hats! Rarely do I actually wear them, but I enjoy them nonetheless!

10. Dazbog coffee!
It is a scientifically proven fact that any outfit can be made instantly more appealing and fashionable when one is holding a cup of Dazbog coffee (the Almond Cocoa Mocha being my personal favorite). I'm serious..look it up.

Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: Funniest Books

I just love books! But usually I gravitate towards fantasy or murder mystery, so when I find a humorous book worthy of noting, it's rare. Although I find myself laughing harder at puns and jokes full of irony more than anything else :) So without further adieu, here is my list of funniest books! Don't forget to hop on over to BecKyle's list as well! 

1. Junie B. Jones Series

This little girl is quite the laugh, I enjoyed many of these silly books while I was growing up. Sass and wit may as well be her middle name.

2. A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Just go read this, do it. The first book is the only I've read and it is histerical.

3. The Princess Bride

Laughed my tail off

4. The Absolutely True Diary of A Party-Time Indian

This one isn't all laughs, for sure you will experience heartbreak. But you will laugh in the process. 

5. Heartless

Alike #4, this one isn't all humorous, but it contains much humor along the way. It's one of my favorites of all time.

6. Sleeping Freshman Never Lie

This one I actually read in Becky's class, it is a gut buster.

7. Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Any of them

8. Interrupting Chicken

Yes it's a children's book...so what? It cracks myself and my younger sister up.

9. Superfudge

This book kills me every time

10. Curious George

I love this little monkey

Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: Favorite Book Quotes

On a day like this (cold and snowy) all I want to do is sit inside my cozy room covered in blankets, holding a cup of tea or coffee, and read the time away. So today's topic is fitting, because most of my favorite books were the product of days like that (whether I had time or not) because I just couldn't put them down. So here are my ten favorite book quotes. And after reading, head over to BecKyle's list, I know for a fact she will have some wonderful quotes.


1. Sherlock Holmes
"'This is indeed a mystery.' I remarked. 'What do you imagine that it means?'. 'I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself, what do you deduce from it?'"

2. Heartless

"I chose to long ago, long before we met. When my father sent me to win you, I loved you already." 

3. Pride and Prejudice

"In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

or the also acceptable movie quote (words you won't often hear from me)

"You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love..I love you"

4. Jane Eyre

"I have for the first time found what I can truly love-I have found you. You are my sympathy-my better self- my good angel- I am bound to you with a strong attachment. I think you good, gifted, lovely; a fervent, a solemn passion is conceived in my heart; it leans to you, draws you to my centre and spring of life, wrap my existence about you-and, kindling in pure, powerful flame, fuses you and me in one."

5. The Chronicles of Narnia

“Alas," said Aslan, shaking his head. "It will. Things always work according to their nature. She has won her heart's desire; she has unwearying strength and endless days like a goddess. But length of days with an evil heart is only length of misery and already she begins to know it. All get what they want; they do not always like it.”

6. Gone With the Wind

“I'll think of it tomorrow, at Tara. I can stand it then. Tomorrow, I'll think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day.” 

7. The Hiding Place

“If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest."

8. The Great Gatsby

“He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced--or seemed to face--the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.” 

9. Harry Potter

“Dumbledore watched her fly away, and as her silvery glow faded he turned back to Snape, and his eyes were full of tears.

"After all this time?"

"Always," said Snape.” 

10,  The Book Thief

“She leaned down and looked at his lifeless face and Leisel kissed her best friend, Rudy Steiner, soft and true on his lips. He tasted dusty and sweet. He tasted like regret in the shadows of trees and in the glow of the anarchist's suit collection. She kissed him long and soft, and when she pulled herself away, she touched his mouth with her fingers...She did not say goodbye. She was incapable, and after a few more minutes at his side, she was able to tear herself from the ground. It amazes me what humans can do, even when streams are flowing down their faces and they stagger on...” 

Now please excuse me while I go shed many a tear. And don't forget to read BecKyle's list!

Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: Ain't That the Truth!

This week I am taking a more silly approach to my list! But if I were to write ten of my favorite truths on a serious note, they would all come from the Bible.

With that said, here are my fun-spirited and silly top ten "ain't that the truth" moments. Don't forget to hop on over to Becky's list as well to see her take on it!

1. Books vs. Movies? You'd better answer that one correctly or I am officially kicking you off of my blog! Okay..but really.

2. Downton Abbey is a newfound love of mine, and the dowager countess is probably my favorite character!

3. I take my books and beverages seriously.

4. If you need corrected vision, the struggle is real. There's also no laying on your side, running, or being outside in the cold with glasses. But contacts all the time is rough...first world problems I guess.

5. I destroy my room on average, once a day.

6. I've never babysat Spiderman...but I have watched many small children who made me count the moments until I got home. The truth is, babysitting can be rough.

7. For real, I have no artistic ability

8. I try to keep myself away from Youtube and Pinterest for these very reasons...

9. Don't ever miss calls from your parents. Enough said.

10. And of course

Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: 9 Truths and a Lie

This week BecKyle and I are going to tell you a bit about ourselves! I will post 9 truths and 1 lie..can you guess which is untruthful?!

1. There was a tornado after I was born. Little newborn Melany had to be toted to the basement of the hospital.

2. I have read the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling 5 times.

3. Cats are my favorite animal.

4. I got my drivers licence today!

5. When I was much younger, my dream profession was to be a ballerina. That changed into aspiring to become a doctor..then to the equally-as-reasonable wishing to become a famous singer. Thankfully I am in pursuit of none now. :)

6. I do not agree with the modern practice of "dating". Here's why.

7. I am a very passionate person. I'm usually either all in, or all out.

8. My name came from "Gone With the Wind", inspired by Melanie Wilkes. My mom loved the story as a girl and then married a man named Mel, so it doubles as a namesake for my dad as well!

9. I own 34 pairs of shoes.

10. Music is one of the biggest aspects in my life. I associate many events and emotions with it, it is one of my favorite forms of worship, and I sing so much, I wouldn't know what to do without it.


Don't forget to check out BecKyle's list! And stay tuned for next week, I will reveal which is the lie!

Tuesday's Top Ten PLUS Ten: Creative Costumes

I love Halloween! Not because of the spookiness or the candy, but simply because I get to dress up! Theatricality is delightful! I don't have the best history of costumes (you're looking at..or rather reading about the little girl who was a princess every year until she was 12...or maybe 13:)) but I do aspire to up my game as the years go by! Two years ago I was catwoman..

Last year I was Scarlet O'Hara (sadly I managed to forget a full body picture to capture my dress in all it's splendor)

Be sure to check out BecKyle's list as well!

1.Comic Strip Character

It would require talent in the makeup area, but is a simple idea! I think it's super fun!

2. Blessing in Disguise

How stinking punny. 

3. Eggs Benedict Cumberbatch

Yes. Just yes.

4. Assault and Battery

If you couldn't tell yet, I enjoy a good play on words.

5. Oh deer/dear or Holy Cow

Okay, so I'm a dork. But hey it's funny!

6. Reigning/ Raining Cats and Dogs

7. Peter Pan's Shadow

Is this clever, or is this clever?

8. Spelling Bee

I love this!

9. VHS

10. Paper Doll

How cute!

Don't forget to check out BecKyle's list! She is quite creative in this area! My favorite of her costumes that I've seen was this creative idea...book fairy! :)