“…where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

“Set your hearts on things above…” (Colossians 3:2).

Jan and I sat in the café musing about what our dream homes would look like and where they would be. We were currently living in a country not of our birth, in houses certainly more than adequate but not truly of our own choosing. We led busy lives and on this particular day were probably more than a little weary.

Jan—not adept at or fond of cooking—described her future kitchen: “About the size of a closet with only an efficient microwave and very small refrigerator!” We agreed that our preferred site would be on the eastern United States seacoast in weather beaten cottages with white fences around the yards.

Many years have gone by. Jan lives in a quaint, small home but it is on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area. I live in a condominium in a suburban setting thousands of miles from the sea.

Have our dreams gone unfulfilled? Were our musings wasted time? Both Jan and I have moved into lives that have many challenges but are satisfying. (She still doesn’t cook much but owns a full-sized kitchen!) Our longings for the sea are partially indulged by an occasional holiday visit.

It is not wrong to keep a notebook of fabric swatches for the furniture of our dreams. House plans, garden layouts, paint chips of favorite colors are good memory joggers. But when dreams of the future supplant following hard after God’s plans for today, we can easily be diverted from His best for us.

Father, it is so easy to lose my focus on Your grand plans. Keep me ever vigilant to hear Your heart…then my own desires will fit perfectly into Your own. Amen

Questions: Think back on a dream you had for your future. As you committed your dreams to God, how did He fulfill your desires?

About the Author Marilyn Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Fresh Heart, Fresh Start, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Wondering what to wear to that upcoming wedding or special occasion this year?

One piece wonders

• A sleeveless one piece dress is always a gorgeous choice. Choose a glitter crepe with some oriental trim or find a simple fitted one and accent it with a striking beaded and fringed shawl.
• Try a soft wraparound dress with a neck that dips and a front tie that shapes you nicely.
• For a fresh sense of style look for dresses that offer embroidered pearl trim, or stylish inverted open sleeves.
• Add some motion to your look with a swing hemline or a trumpet skirt hem. Wear it to the knee, mid calf or full length.

The two piece look

• A comfortable two piece dress is always a great choice for a special occasion. Try one with a neckline that features a shiny satin trim or beaded embroidery.
• Pair a lined, sleeveless dress with a tailored one button jacket. Choose one with a fish tail back and satin trim for an elegant finishing touch.
• For feminine detail choose fabrics that are textured in a satin polyester. If your dress is fully embroidered, try a sheer embossed jacket for a delicate finish.
• The fooler dress gives the look of three separate pieces but is actually a two piece set.

The elegance of a pant suit

• The three piece pant suit can work well for special occasions! Choose one with a jacket dressed up with front pleating and shiny satin trim. Underneath add a matching satin-bound camisole with some extra beading on the front. Dress up the pants with matching beading on the legs.
• A flare pant and softer fabric give the pant suit a dressier look for that special occasion.

A glamorous finish

• Accessories for that special occasion can be bold and delectable with items such as brightly colored paten leather shoes and a paisley bag or a crocodile clutch purse for fun.
• Wake up your simple dress with some glitzy faux jewelry. Add glamour with a pewter bracelet, drop crystal earrings or a mock diamond necklace.
• If you are into a simple look, add neutral accessories in pale yellows or creams for an elegant style.
• An open toed sling-back shoe with a matching shoulder bag will finish off any outfit nicely.
• Remember if you choose to wear white to a wedding accessorize with bold colors.

Photos courtesy of Sandi Wilson Photography