Soul searcher: my life in the last 7 days...

I've had a whirlwind of a week! Like you don't even know! It was interesting...which you'll find out why I didn't post my Wednesday blogpost...

Last Monday: I woke feeling crappy. I had sore-ish throat. Needed to take it easy yet work on things for my upcoming show that next weekend. I was also co-babysitting my baby niece who is just the cutest! Then my friend Jenny came over to help me package my jewels. What a blessing. Then when she left I became very overwhelmed and had anxiety get the best of me. Cried to my mom (more like sobbed) and then went to bed.

Tuesday: Before bed I had planned to sleep in a bit. Since I was babysitting my niece, I couldn't sleep in much later. So that morning my sister barges into my room and yells at me "GET UP, MOM'S HAVING A STROKE! Not a very fun way to wake up from deep sleep. Well, I screamed and scrambled out of bed. And started praying in tongues from the get go! I reach the living room and I look at my mom and she's mumbling and her face had fallen and her arm isn't working properly. All true signs of a stroke. My sister's on the phone with 911, saying yes to EMTs coming. Then after a few minutes, she comes out of it. Heather cancels the EMTS. Well, you can't just cancel the EMTs without a follow up from the sheriff, so the sheriff comes out and starts talking with her. Then it happens again. This time the sheriff calls in the EMTs. I'm sent to my room with my niece and the dog and I get ahold of my pastors and we pray. The EMTs take her away. My brother in law takes my niece and I hurridly get ready. We then drive to the hospital about 25min away... Then she was admitted to the hospital.

She wanted me to stay that night, but I wasn't feeling well  and hospitals are the dirtiest place and I needed to finish a few things. So opted out of it. But I stayed til 10:30 or 11:00.. 

Wednesday: I go to bed around 3:30... Then I wake up sobbing. Uncontrollably sobbing! I text my sister, dy, and text with her awhile. Then heather was picking me up later, but I asked her if she could come earlier. She could and she's now on her way. Then she gets here. We play with Emma for a bit then I get ready. Feeling exhausted and asked if I could take a short nap before going to the hospital. And so I get into bed, but SLEEP. Whether it was only 45 minutes or 9hrs, it felt heavenly! That whole day was a teary eyed day! I also I brought work with me to keep my mind occupied.    I stayed at the hospital till 12am Or 1am.

Thursday: I head to the hospital. She had and MRI yesterday. The doctor comes in, and tells her that indeed she had on e stroke. but he also said that it was the perfect stroke. She walked away practically unharmed. She's getting discharged today! Yay! We leave the hospital around 2:00 ish. Then we come home. I finish what I need to get done. And freak out a little! My friend Hannah comes to the rescue!

Friday: Funkyfinds set-up day! Heather comes to the house with the truck. We load up and head down to the poultry barn at will rogers in Fort Worth. Then my other sister, Camille, picks coffee up and cookies and meets us there! What a godsend! We set up and we came back to the house. 

Saturday: I get up pretty early, Hannah is picking me up with time to go to Starbucks! The we head to my booth at funky finds! We sell sell sell and then heather gets there and takes over Hannah's post. Then we sell more! 

And then we go home.

Sunday: my dad takes me down to the poultry barn. My friend joy helps out that day. We sell even more! Hallelujah! And then afterwards we tear down! 

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: it's a combination of uploading things on etsy, taking care of my mom and resting.

So there ya have it! It was a very busy week! And it was also a great weekend! 

The devil tried to steal & destroy that week from me! But with Gods grace and protection we survived and thrived! And we are continuing to, too!

 If you've been walking in weeks like this, I suggest you lean on to God and he'll give you the desires of your heart. He'll restore your soul if you let him. 

I may have left out a few details from that week but you get the gist of it! 

If you can, would you keep my mom in your prayers? Please & Thank-you!

-Ryn

Thankful Thursday: Healing

Even though it's approaching Saturday, I'm still thankful! I'm thankful for healing! All sorts actually! Healing in marriages, in bodies, manifested healing, healing of self image issues, etc. 

Just the other day, I strained my back. And yet I stood on the word and my back is so much better! I'm thankful for a God who heals! 

What are you thankful for?

-Ryn

Thankful Thursdays: Grace

grace

grās/

noun

1. 1.

   simple elegance or refinement of movement.

   "she moved through the water with effortless grace"

   synonyms:

   elegance, poise, gracefulness, finesse; More
2. 2.

   (in Christian belief) the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

verb

1. 1.

   do honor or credit to (someone or something) by one's presence.

   "she bowed out from the sport she has graced for two decades"

   synonyms:

   dignify, distinguish, honor, favor; More

   
   

   
   

   I'm not sure about you, but I'm so thankful for grace! There are times that I look back, and all I can see is a grace filled life. Were there hard times, yes. But my past has been and will forever be covered in grace! 

   I have an image of God, he has a can of red paint, and he's pouring it over my past, future & present. Then he's marking it, and it says "covered". My life is covered in grace. Your life is covered in grace. We have favor wherever we go. Favor is chasing us down & overtaking us! 

   
   

   This is the year of Great Grace. Each of us can choose to walk in it or walk out of it. I'm walking in it for sure! 

   
   

   We didn't do anything to deserve unmerited favor and yet we still get to receive it. That's how cool God is! He just Loves us! He longs to be good to us! 

   
   

   Hope this brightens your day! And I encourage you to write down what you're thankful for, keep a grateful heart always! 

   
   

   Love y'all, Ryn

   
   

Soul searcher and style find: favor & shoes!

Last week was such an amazing week! I have two stories that, I hope will encourage you! And I hope you know that I'm genuine about my faith & God. I'm not a hoity toity twerp that isn't. I'm real. But I will say this, favor is chasing me down and overtaking me & I'm all about having faith! I'm a faith cougar, when I see a need for someone or even myself, I pounce. I latch my faith onto theirs and we watch it come to pass! 

So here goes! 

The first one: Last Wednesday, I was running errands that day, so when I was getting ready, my mom came in, in a panic, her iPad was frozen after she just downloaded the new download to help with bugs & such, ios 7.02...Whatever it is! And you & I know that isn't good! We tried everything possible! We tried plugging it in, shutting it down... Everything! The one thing she didn't want to lose, were her pictures. She did NOT want to lose the pictures. And she knew she needed to back up her ipad last week too, but never got the chance! She tried googling it and all they said was to take it to the Apple store. So after dealing with an apple "genius" on the phone... What a joy! (Sarcasm) we finally went to the store itself. On the drive there and even before we left the house, I asked her if she had prayed over it. She said to me, "if you have faith for it, then you do it!". So what did I do, I prayed & believed God for restoring her iPad. 

When we arrived, We talked to front man of the store, he then directed us to the guy that was taking reservations, and told us she would lose her pics (not a very nice man if you ask me, but you didn't so never mind). Then he directed us to a table to stand by & wait, it would a 1hr 45min wait. Then a few minutes passed and another man walked up and we told him the predicament and he said she would lose everything! Even her pics! She started crying of course. She told me I could go to anthropologie right next door, that she would be fine. So as I'm browsing & pursuing the lovely things in anthro. She comes up to me, bursts into tears and tells me that when they rebooted the iPad, it didn't erase any of her pictures, contacts,etc! Praise God! The guy who helped her was kinda in shock, because he's NEVER seen that happen before. He's only heard about it happening once before.

I believe, that if I hadn't of prayed for it. She would have lost everything. Prayer works! And The Lord loves me! 

Two scriptures (MSG translation) come to mind: 

Faith moves mountains.Matthew 21:21-22

Two or more gathered. Matthew 18:18-20

2nd story:

On Friday, we were going to go to Terri savelle Foy's women's conference that night. So we just planned to piddle paddle through Fort Worth until it started. So mom wanted to go to coldwater creek for something & I was just going to go with her, well she persuaded me into going to Madewell. And so I went it... I did get to see my friend Mary(who works there) and tell her about Funkyfinds(yay!) I then found myself in the sale area, picking up some shoes I have been eyeing for MONTHS! Well I saw one box that said it was a size 8 and they were $39.99, but then what I thought said, was the color black(which turned into actually being the burnt sienna I wanted! Because I didn't actually read the box! Haha!) was $69.99. I asked a different girl about it and she said no, it was just mismarked. But I was insistent about it and showed her the box. Same color, same shoe, different size. So she went and asked her manager and she came back, and said I was actually right! I bought the shoes, right then & there. And I also bought some leather sandals too! I had been wanting some great quality leather sandals. But I never found any that I liked. But my roommate at the time, Holly(hey girl!), bought some for full price and and they were super cute! 

So I found the exact same ones, but in my size for $20.00. But that's not all, I didn't actually pay $60+tax for them. No, I received 30% all sale items! You do the math! Glory! 

So now, I have a great pair of sandals for next summer & the flats I've been wanting for awhile to add a bit of punch to my outfits! Only more blessings & favor to come! I was super happy that day & I still am! 

{Here are the beauties}

The Lord totally gives you the desires of your heart. Psalm 20:4

Ask and you shall receive! John 16:23-24

(MSG translations)

Hope you have awesome day! -Ryn

Thankful Thursdays!

Today starts the series of Thankful Thursdays!!!  Are you ready? 

I'm grouping two very important things in my life together, because without one of them the other one wouldn't exist. And this may sound cliche to you, but I'm very fond of both! 

1. God. Without him, I couldn't do what i love doing. I wouldn't have a fabulous  God-fearing family. And I would probably be drained all the time! My life is amazing because of God! He's so so good to me! My passion & dreams are so much richer because of having a relationship with Him. Not saying it has always been easy, but my life has a purpose!

And 2. I'm thankful for my family! You would think that I'm Italian, but I'm not!  I love how it has evolved. How I have great parents, who would go to ends length to help me out. A mom who will converse with me, teach things to me & run errands with me. And a dad who will help me with power tools! You mean the world to me! And i love you. For my sisters, even though they can irritate me royally, I still love them. They are some of the best women I know, all three of them! For my brother-in-laws, I know at least one of them would drop almost anything he was doing, if I called for help! He's such an awesome guy & super funny too!

The other one is pretty awesome too. He's harder to get to know, but I'm seeping in! I'll love him, whether he loves me or not. But I'm pretty sure that when I bring a guy home, my two brother-in-laws (and most likely my sisters) will infact threaten the safety of his own life if he should even think about harming one strand of hair on my head! Beware guys! Haha! 

For my nephews & niece, I love each of you so so much! You are so valuable to me!

And of course I love my dog Graycie, she's such a great doggy! 

So those are only some of the things that I'm thankful for! What are some things you are thanful for?!

 Until next week! Keep a thankful heart! -Ryn 

Soul Searcher: Mother's Day recap

To Moms, Mamas, Mas, Mommies, Mothers, Madres, Mommas, Grammies, Grannies, Nonnies, Nanas, Grandmas, Granmothers, Marmies, mommies to be,single mommies, moms that are dealing with a child in the hospital & mommies that have lost a child,  My this year be the best year yet! May Proverbs 31 run through your heart like blood through your veins.
 

Happy Mother's Day to the best moms in the world! The Lord has definitely graced you to do what you do! I'm not there yet, but you're a natural! You give style & grace a whole new meaning! Y'all are wonderful! Thank you for ALL you do!

So, I got to celebrate with my mom a day early (because I'm her favorite child of 4 girls, hehehe), I bought her Diamond Rio concert tickets at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth stockyards, for Saturday night at 10:30. Now I'm not usually a girl, who goes out past 9:00, but to tell ya the truth I kinda liked it! ; ) The concert was actually awesome, considering I only knew about 5 songs! Hah! But it was worth it!  My mama had had great time! It was perfect!

 The only unfortunate & disturbing thing that I saw a boat load of ladies in their 70's looking like hoochie mamas! It was terrible! And I saw a whole lot of PDA! It wasn't as romantic as those couples thought it was! Ewww! 

Here are a few pics from the concert:

This was my beautiful mama & me 

(not our best looks, but it was the only selfie we took)

If either you haven't been to Texas or you haven't been to a country music concert, or you haven't been to a country music concert in Texas, ya really should! You are surely missing out!  Let's just say, ONLY in TEXAS!

Then I was able to celebrate my mom & my sisters(kinda weird thinking about my sisters being mothers, but hey, somebody has to do it right?) on Sunday, first going to church with my mom, then our tradition to go to dunkin' donuts afterwards for coffee (& donuts, that I need to give up), my treat! 

p.s mint chocolate chip iced coffee with lots of cream, no sugar is my favorite right now! 

And then we came back home & chilled before we left to go over to one of my sista's houses for dinner. And then after dinner, we stayed and chatted for awhile and then we left to come back to our house and pretty much did our own thing! 

Not too shabby of a day!!! 

Happy Mother's day!!! Love y'all so much! -Ryn

P.s.s. Here is a cute video from my favorite youtube channel ever: www.Boredshorts.tv

 

Praise report! Ringing thankfulness...

Soo, awhile ago, I lost one of my most favorite rings... Ever! (While cleaning out my grandpa's house, my nana had a ring that I just loved, so I claimed it as my own) And I looked high and low, but could not find it anywhere! So I prayed, and said, Lord direct my eyes to see where it is!" So The Lord totally came through! (As always) I was cleaning my closet of all things today, and lo and behold, there it was under a sheet set! Oh man! I love the feeling of thanksgiving I was overwhelmed with! It was spontaneous, but sincere. It has to be engraved in the walls of my heart. Man it was so good to thank God! One for the thing that I lost, but also for just being there for me! With things that have come against my family and myself, it was perfect timing! The Lord has impeccable timing! When you feel you can't go any farther, when you feel like you want to just give up, Don't! Hand it over to the Lord, and he will turn your situation upside down and give you the desires of your heart! Just stay steady & know the Lord is always faithful! : )

May opportunities & expectancies abound to you this year!
-Ryn

(Currently wearing the ring on my left ring finger! Praise Him!)

Day 25: Tiz Huch - Christmas Blessings

 

 

Tiz Huch is a Co-Pastor with her husband, Larry Huch, of DFW New Beginnings Church in Dallas, TX,

Co-Host of worldwide TV Program "New Beginnings", Author, Public Speaker, Businesswoman, Artist, and Interior Designer.

But, most importantly, she is a wife, mother and grandmother! The number one passions and priorities of her life are God and

her family. Her new book "Releasing Family Blessings", is co-authored with her husband, Larry, of 36 years. It is dedicated to

teaching men and women how to create fabulous marriages and wonderful, godly and forever families!

Tiz has an interactive website with Blogs called "Soul Infusions--A Daily Dose of Faith, Inspiration and Motivation", where she

talks about positive, simple steps to creating an incredible life, family, business and future. Check it out at TizHuch.com.

 

At a time when our nation is facing so many complex issues and challenges, it may somehow seem petty or superficial to talk about the importance of Holiday family traditions.

Years ago, during some very tumultuous years in America, First Lady Barbara Bush, was asked "What can we, as individuals, do to help keep America strong and great?" She

replied " If Americans will build great and strong families, America will be a great and strong nation." This is a profound and powerful statement!

Our simple, small family units and family traditions can affect the strength and future of our nation! "As the family goes, so goes the nation!" Never underestimate the

far reaching effects and impacts of creating strong, stable, loving, compassionate and kind families! This is, and always has been, God's plan to establish His dominion, plans and

purposes on earth. This is a comforting and compelling truth for us. It keeps us focused on what is most important. It assures us that the time and effort we invest in our families is not in vain,

but, will be multiplied back into our own lives. Love is like a boomerang. What you give out will come back around to you! I am so thankful to say that this is true in my own family.

My husband and my kids and my grandkids (my Sugars ) are all the light of my life! They are my best friends and my proudest accomplishment in life! And I can say that they each help to

make the world a better place. Oftentimes, great impact is made from thousands of small impacts. I say that, not to brag, but to encourage others, that our daily, continual, small acts of love

add up to big, long term lives of joy, purpose and rewards!

 

(Meshali Mitchell did the photography, you can view her photos & prices: HERE)

Having said that, let me encourage you this Holiday to:

Create loving and fun Holiday Traditions! Make a big mess of your kitchen making and decorating Christmas cookies! Watch old Christmas movies with your family, friends and kids!

Fill your home with Christmas lights and decorations! Drink eggnog and eat lots of Treats! Be Merry! Make your home cheery and bright! Laugh! Smile! Hug and smooch!

Accentuate the positive! Eliminate the negative! Make your home a "No frowning or grumbling zone"! Play Christmas songs and sing along--out loud! Be kind!

Give to others in need! Be generous! Be thankful! Love family! Love friends! And, most of all, LOVE GOD!!!

God bless you greatly, so that, you can BE a great blessing!

 And, be sure to celebrate Jesus! He's the reason for the Season!

 

Merry Christmas - Tiz

Day 23: Dyanna Groves - Give...Your Best!

My name is Dyanna and just happen to be the fabulous Ryn's sister. I recently married the man of my dreams and love of my life and have become a mother of two wonderful young men.
I have a super job doing what I love by serving God and helping people through television.

At this time of year when gift-giving and fellowshipping with family and friends abounds, it is vital to remember to give your best. When I say that, I don't mean maxing out your credit card or draining your bank account just to be sure everyone on your list gets the most wonderful (and most expensive) gift on their list. I mean to give your heart.

Give your heart in listening. Give your thought in choosing. Give a sweet word when your crazy cousin makes you want to strangle them. Give love instead of mediocrity. Give strength when the world is yelling for you to be passive. Give beyond what makes you feel comfortable - even if that means saying "Merry Christmas" with a smile to a stranger you pass. Give your time to someone in need. Give a hug to someone who is hurting.

Our Creator has placed inside of each of us the ability to sense and feel and to meet the needs of others. All we have to do is listen within. It's easy to be caught up in busyness with shopping and decorating and partying and all the hustle and bustle, but really just listen and give. Listen when you have that thought to do or say something nice. Reach beyond the norm and just give love. After all, haven't you been given the greatest love ever?!

 

I recently read Jesse Duplantis' book entitled "Heaven: Close Encounters of the God Kind." Let me tell you, if you haven't read it, you should. And if you have, may I suggest that you read it again. In it he talks about the experiences he has had in life that were undeniably encounters with God, the most significant of which being his trip to Heaven. Although hearing the description of Heaven is awe inspiring, that was not the greatest part. The best thing you learn is the wonderful, overflowing, ever-giving heart of God, the greatest Father ever. His very essence is light and love. He longs to give you more than you can ever imagine and your every heart's desire. He describes the look in Jesus' eyes as "pools of love." And it is that love that caused Jesus to come and pay for your sin and mine to rescue us from eternal torment, both here and in Hell. It is that love that has been placed inside of you, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. A verse in the Bible, Romans 5:5 reads "And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (NLT)

You can find it: HERE

Now that says a lot! If God's love has been given to us, we can surely give it to others. So, let's do that! Let's give our best. Our best love, hug, time, listening ear, thoughts, prayers, kisses and smiles this year. And know that our best can be miraculous.

Merry Christmas! ~Dyanna