Juicy bright with whites says it all.

Dress it up!

Romantic lace dresses and skirts grace the runway with nostalgic elegance. The 60’s influence brings us the hourglass dress.  A Jackie Kennedy inspired sheath dress is lovely falling just below the knee. Full skirts bring us back into ultra-feminine elegance.

The maxi dress is great for either daytime or evening wear and flatters almost any figure. Choose one in a soft flowing fabric for comfort. The little white dress makes a statement and moves the little black dress to the back of the closet.

70s inspired

This season also takes us back to the 70′s but with a sophisticated twist. The best of the disco era includes shimmering fabrics, fringes and flares. Groovy high-waisted, wide leg pants are paired with an elegant lux top. Stripes are back. Chose thick or thin in this spring’s technicolors. Lacy peasant blouses and homespun knits are all ready to go for spring.

The right pair of shoes will always finish your look. Elegant kitten heels, strappy stilettos, towering wedges with cork heels, gladiators or clogs – your look can be changed by unique footwear. Details such as rosettes, snakeskin, metallics and bows showcase what’s on the runway.

Spring and summer handbags are bright and beautiful. Choose a practical shoulder bag or a clutch purse in a sizzling hot color. Pair a feminine dress with a rich jeweled pendant necklace.

Finish your look with a sleeveless jacket or trench coat. Varying fabrics and colors can provide either a sporty, feminine or classic look.

One Tip Wonder: Put some vivid color in your wardrobe this season. Have fun shopping for a new dress that flatters your figure and add a clutch bag for a splash of color. Enjoy looking great this season!

Are you feeling ready to walk away from a relationship – are you possibly even considering divorce? We want to pray for you.

To squawk: to utter a harsh cry, to complain loudly, to say something shrilly

To sing: to make continuous musical sound

As I closed the car door in the supermarket parking lot, a flock of large birds flew overhead. While my eyes did not detect their presence, their shrill squawk assaulted my ears. I was happy when they swiftly flew into the distance, their high-pitched, penetrating sound now just an echo.

In contrast, another bird sound makes me smile, quickens my step and brightens my day. This is the singing of those birds that arrive in our yard when the spring days turn warm. Seemingly bursting with the joy of new life and abundant food, they sit in the budding trees or greening bushes. They flit from one branch to another, with a song that seems to bubble without interruption. Even on those days when the temperature unexplainably drops and it looks as though winter may be returning, I have seen these birds and heard their song.

Birds are programmed to sing or squawk, but we have a choice as to whether the sounds coming from our mouths are melodic. People are either drawn to the voice of God through our words and the tone of our voices, or they want to turn away. Even without natural talent or formal musical training, we can sing joy to the world.

Lord, please remind me—and even use others to remind me—when what comes from my lips is not pleasing to you. Amen.

Questions: Are people drawn to God through your words and your attitude? What do you do when you feel like complaining instead of praising?

About the Author Marilyn J. Ehle

Are you searching for a source of peace? We are here to listen.

This time of the year, we become aware of the spring season especially in the areas where we experience the four seasons. It is exciting to see the buds on the trees that have lain dormant and the bulbs popping out of the ground. Spring reminds us of new life.

During this winter many areas have experienced very cold harsh weather. As spring approaches it will bring us the hope of warmth, beautiful gardens and landscapes. As it warms our spirit, we become alive and more energetic.

We often go through seasons in our prayer lives where we do not take the time to read and meditate on God’s Word or pray intentionally for our families or ourselves. We pray but our prayers may become humdrum, repetitive, or pointless.

That was my experience a number of years ago when the prayers for my family were very general. We were not living near our children and grandchildren and did not know about their immediate needs so I prayed they would be safe, have a good day, and be on my way. I felt my prayers became rote and empty.

However, that all changed when I asked God to give me wisdom and insight to how I could pray for family more intentionally. Praying intentionally means “a determination to pray in a certain way, done by intention or design”. Asking God for direction and reading several books about prayer, I was encouraged and I gained some tools to help me to pray intentionally and regularly for my family.

The Bible, God’s Word was the greatest the resource I discovered to help me with my prayers, not only for my family but also for myself.

I read in Hebrews 4:12 (in the Amplified version), “The Word of God is alive and full of power, making it active, operative, energizing, and effective.” God’s Word became a manual, for me to learn how to pray more effectively because it was alive and full of power, bringing energy into my prayers. Personalizing God’s Word in my prayers released His supernatural power and His presence in my life.

In praying scripture, I not only find  myself in intimate communication with God, but my mind is being renewed to think His thoughts, about the situation I am praying for, instead of mine. Ultimately, God shrinks what I thought as impossible to a possibility and gives me peace as I wait for His answer.

As we start claiming God’s promises and personalizing the scriptures, we will experience more confidence and boldness in our praying. Nothing threatens the ENEMY more than when we are intentionally praying God’s Word for our loved ones and ourselves.

If your are in a winter season in your prayer life and you have not been spending time with the Lord regularly or in prayer, allow the spring season to bring new life to your prayer life.

Dear Father, as I am reading your Word, show me the scriptures I can pray for my family and myself. Help me to set an appointment with you each day and show me how you would like me to be an intentional prayer warrior for my family.

Questions: How do we pray intentionally? What is your prayer life like? How can we make our prayer time more exciting?

About the Author Lillian Penner

Sometimes we give gifts, write a note, call or spend some extra time together. We find ways to say, “You are important to me”.  And it feels good to express it.

Yesterday we thought about what we might do to symbolize giving of ourselves in a fresh way to God as we approach Easter.

Rather than doing an external physical act like fasting from some food or activity, why not consider this…..

Show God your fresh love by determining to abstain from criticizing in the weeks leading up to Easter.  You just might break a bad habit in the process.

Determine to find the things to be thankful for daily. Thankfulness is a tonic that will refresh your day. Offer it to God even as the sacrifice it will, at times, be.

Give up complaining. Bite your tongue when you are tempted to grumble and find something to give thanksgiving for instead.

Cease from judging others and offer grace in its place. Remember, judgment is simply seeing yourself as superior. Stop it in its tracks.

Put others first. Abstain from the selfishness that dresses itself in many disguises.

Ask God to show you what you could do to show your fresh love and appreciation for Jesus as you remember …

• He is the well from which you can draw living water that refreshes your heart.
• He is the strength you find in the middle of your weakness.
• He is the peace that blankets your heart when anxiety wants to swallow you.
• He offers everything you need for life and for godliness as you seek to please Him with your life.

What will your offering of “fresh love” look like in this season of Lent?

Upcoming online chats: Join us for daily online chats! One of our features will be “Trust Me!” on March 30 at 10:30 am EST. Please join us to discuss how you can trust God!

Get ready for romance as the spring and summer fashions of 2010 hit the stores!

Sparkle and shine hit the runway again as embellishment continues to climb the fashion charts with sequins, crystals, beading and glitter. Even the most basic T-shirt is upgraded to total decadence this season.  If embellishment and romance aren’t on your fashion palette then consider the alternate styles offered this season.

The minimal urban look gives a clean line with a precise silhouette. This architectural clothing is sleek and sophisticated especially in neutral colors. The minimalist style, shy on accessories, offers a simple yet elegant look.

Underwear is the new outerwear. Lingerie inspired pieces such as frilly lace bras over shirts and bustiers will make you blush. Victoria’s Secret is moving out of the store and into the streets.

Simple and sporty weekend wear moves into the weekday. Sleeveless hoodies and drawstring details on track pants with mesh inserts provide comfort and style.  The military look carries over from last season with khaki hues in an officer jacket or trench  coat, cargo pants and chinos.

The tunic white blouse is a fashion must-try. Add a button down, wrapped or pleated style, whatever best suits your body type.

Shoes this season are skyscrapers with platform heels. Mary Janes with cut out details, T-strap diva shoes, cork wedge heels and high sling backs look great but prove difficult to wear for those long days at the office. Pointed toe flats with pretty detailing and bows or two strap sandals such as gladiators will offer casual comfort.

Transparent accessories are hot! Shop for Lucite bracelets, plastic earrings, or crystal shoes. Even Cinderella would be impressed!

One Wish Fashion List:    With so much variety this season shop til you drop and enjoy browsing the racks to create your own distinctive  style. A romantic flowing dress with skyscraper heels, a crisp white  blouse with a pair of chinos or a sporty ensemble for the weekend will  take you from the office to the beach.  Have fun with the variety of this season!

Whether or not we live where the snow flies, we all endure winter seasons of the soul and we often find ourselves longing for springtime, for new life and fresh sunshine. Are you ready to pause from your busyness and find new life for your soul?

This week we have the opportunity to ready our hearts for that springtime. Aren’t you ready to open the widows of your heart and let the fresh breezes of God’s love and faithfulness bring you refreshing?

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday this week is Ash Wednesday. It’s not a day mentioned in the Bible yet it is traditionally a day that marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is also not mentioned in the Bible yet it is a wonderful season of tradition that marks the 40 days before Easter.

Its roots are in the Old Testament. When a person or a nation was called to repentance they would put on sackcloth and ashes and fast as a way to symbolize their giving of themselves back to God.

It’s a great time to consider just what you might want to fast from, to give up, as you move toward Easter and the fresh reminder of Jesus death and resurrection. What would symbolize for you the giving of yourself to God in a fresh way?

Give yourself to God

As we hurry through our days it’s easy to forget that Jesus’ death on the cross was to buy our freedom from the things that hold us captive.

As we plan our Easter egg hunt and buy our ham it is easy to forget that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is the very same power we have to help us overcome those things that hold us captive every day.

Habits that keep our body enslaved hold some of us. For others, it’s thoughts that lead us away from the truth that God is our very present help in whatever we face. We forget that His power is enough to guide us and bring us through any difficult circumstance, testy relationship or crisis that stares us in the face today. And still others are dragged down by emotions that can’t seem to be shaken. As we hurry on we tend to forget that Jesus stands at the empty grave and offers peace. He offers rest for our weary souls. He offers joy.

On Ash Wednesday many choose to sacrifice chocolate, coffee or some other food or physical activity for the 40 day Lent period. It’s a good custom though in itself it holds no power. Yet it does serve as a reminder to give ourselves with fresh fervor to the Christ who sacrificed so much for us.

Consider giving your heart and life to Jesus in a fresh act of dedication this Easter Season. What will you fast from, during this season of Lent, as a daily reminder to yourself that His sacrifice for you has given you everything you need to walk where you walk today?

If you are looking for a study do to during the 40 days of Lent, try our Life Lesson on The Fruit of the Spirit.  It can be a wonderful way to remind yourself of who God made us to be.  Share your thoughts with us.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s  Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

This spring our grandson was visiting on a nice sunny day so the two of us went to the back yard to do some clean up. The task would have gone faster without the help of a two year old but for the delight of being together I invited him to join me.

I learned two lessons from a two year old child’s perspective that day. In the middle of the afternoon it started to snow, one of those spring squalls that produce large flakes of snow. Domonic turned to me with a big smile and said, “Me chase snow!” He proceeded to run, turning in circles, laughing all the time while attempting to catch the snow flakes. His joy was infectious! The lesson I learned in watching him was that we need to enjoy the moments that God gives.

The second lesson Domonic taught me had to do with his wanting to help me In the clean up process we filled several baskets with debris. I started to carry the first one away when Domonic said, “Me help.” I really did not need his help but I let him take hold of the basket.  He didn’t really have the strength to help, but I let him do it even though I had to slow down.  It gave him great pleasure to help his Papa!

I began to think about how God views us. I do not claim to be a theologian, but I am convinced that God does not really need our help. The fact that God invites us to join him in his work is because he delights in the relationship with us and knows we will be satisfied in that partnership with him. In my desire to help God, I am very much like a two year old trying to help his Papa.

So the lessons from a two year old that I learned that day were to enjoy each moment God gives, even though there is a task to be done, and to understand that God desires and delights in our relationship with him.

For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.

How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!  Psalm 92:4-5 (NIV)

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.

Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings.   Psalm 17:6-8 (NIV)

Questions: What kind of relationship with God do you have? Why does God desire and delight in a relationship with you?

About the Author Mike Woodward

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Deliver Us from the Evil One, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Let the sun shine this season on a fashion beach buffet! A variety of options include bright colors and soft neutrals, flat shoes and mega platforms, bright faux reptile leathers and super sized jewelry. Lift your spirits with this season’s glamor fashion themes of up-to-date vintage or sheer romance, pick what you like and run into the sun!

Colors range from vivid greens and yellows, powdery pastels, classic black and white combo, pink blush, lavender, turquoise, or lapis blue. Enhance any of these summery hues with pristine white or a dark blue. Neutrals are big, wear tone on tone or deliberately pair with opulent purple, red or indigos

Key pieces for the season include loose flowing pants or slim ankle hugging slacks skirts both slim and voluminous or the sleek city shorts. For dresses look for a basic sheath,  tailored shirt dress or a strapless or strappy sun dress. One shoulder tops and dresses are new to the fashion line up and are making a statement. Add a cardigan or a short flounced jacket over your colored tank.  Sculpted sleeved blouses and structured trench coats have also made the scene.

Fabrics include fine silks and satins, sheers, textured weaves, raw denims and bleached pastels. Tie die, floral prints, graphics- stripes, polka dots, plaids  or geometrics are fun for the season.
Shine in the sparkling gold and silver metallics. Rock star glitter or sequins will help to embellish that special outfit.

Super sized accessories add glamor. Large scale jewelry such as oversize necklaces with colored gems, beaded cuff bangles, and oversize sunglasses. Add a Princess Grace inspired neck scarf or a wide belt this season to your wardrobe. Brightly colored embossed faux reptile leather clutch purses and vivid patent big totes are  everywhere. This seasons trendy footwear includes glamorous thin heeled stilettos, jeweled metallic flats, skyscraper platform heels, strappy sandals and chunky heel sandals. Cut-out footwear is edgy and cool.

One Wish Fashion List: Buy a bright, shiny faux reptile clutch purse for an in-season touch. Keep in mind that a few key items can make a big impression such as a new sun dress, a trendy pair of pants or a big chunky neck piece. If you want a simple touch that will add elegance to your outfit add a spring scarf.

More fashion & beauty:

Learn to love your body
Look sun-kissed, not sun burnt

The newspaper and Internet are tried-and-true spots for selling furniture and finding a market for, say, your old camping equipment, musical instruments or kitchen appliances.

Local shops also can be a good source of extra cash for other items. Maybe the workout equipment you purchased for a New Year’s fitness resolution in years past gets more use as a clothes rack, or your children have outgrown last season’s soccer or softball gear. (Source: Baltimore Sun)

The article gives a few other suggestions, like selling off old name-brand clothes to a consignment shop or having a garage sale.

Does the enticement of some extra spending money make the prospect of spring cleaning a little more appealing? What junk might you have in your own house that could be someone else’s treasure?

Related: What about Spring cleaning your life?