Operation Christmas Child Spreading Joy to the World

 It's Thanksgiving week, a week of gathering and gratitude with loved ones.  It's also the start of the Christmas season with lots of decorating and shopping for gifts.  While I've enjoyed seeing the decked halls and helpful gifts guides ALL over social media, I want to share a way to bring joy outside your home and into the hearts of others.

Last week, my MOPS group had our annual meeting that included preparing gift boxes for Operation Christmas Child. And on Saturday I volunteered with some of the students from my Sunday school class at the OCC processing center, and let me just tell you how rewarding and fun it was! 

Gals, I never been one of those crazy Christmas ladies, although my affinity for it has grown since having Vivian Louise, but I do love blessing others.  

Sending the news of the Gospel to those that may not otherwise hear it and joy through gifts they may not otherwise receive is nothing short of amazing!

There are children that live in countries where it isn't safe to proclaim the Gospel, that go without basic needs and fear for their safety.  When we, who are overly blessed, share with them we are gifting more that toys and useful items.  We are gifting joy that can't be purchased. 

I encourage you to consider participating in Operation Christmas Child by packing a box for a child or building one online here.  

OCC sends out over 2 million boxes each year.  Just on Saturday, the processing center prepared over 100,000 boxes that will be sent to sensitive countries that couldn't be disclosed due to the sensitive circumstances. 

You can bless children with joy, hope and love!

s

You can help share the good news of Jesus Christ! 

Dress Beautifully Giving to Others

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Happy New Year! 2020

Cheers gals! A new year and new decade of possibilities.  I'm so jazzed about new beginnings, so much so Mondays are my favorite day of the week.

We rang in 2020 with a date night courtesy of Vivian's grandparents and a 9pm kiss because we're parents and mornings come early! 

Now when it comes to New Year's resolutions/goals I'm at a place in my life where the common ones like exercise more, eat healthy, save more money and clean out your house have all been at a great place for over 10 years (I do NOT share this boastful)! With that, my years are now focused more on areas for growth.

I went back and reviewed last years goals posted here. I wanted to know Christ better, prioritize people over possessions and maintain consistency in the things I love to do.  I can honestly say I gave great attention to these the entire year and feel as though I exceeded my own expectations. It takes self discipline and endurance which are not always easy but I find through faith I am able to stay the course.
I dove deeper into His Word, invested into my relationships and fostered several new ones, and was able to maintain a rhythm in the things I enjoy (even with my toddler sidekick) like exercise, reading and writing 3 blog posts a week.

This year's goals are centered around one word, 'Give'.

I want to be less about me and more about others.  The funny thing is, the more you serve the more greatness you receive!

1. Give More Encouragement - who doesn't love receiving cheer and support?!! I find that when I'm boosting others I also am inspired.  Whether it's with my husband, family members, friends and especially social media and this blog I want to encourage others in a God inspired way!
Comparison robs you of joy and I find that's often what holds us back from lifting other up.

2. Give More of My Resources - God has blessed me beyond measure! I want give more of my blessings and time in serving others.  While that sounds so easy, I'm not ashamed to share that it is not. There is entitlement in the work done for our earnings, there is fear of loosing and we all have lists of ways to utilize our time.  But it's all God's given to us to be used for His glory.

3. Give More into Having Fun - the to-do lists can wait.  I want to soften my type-A personality a little (it's who I am and I embrace it) and compromise the schedule and deadlines to enjoy this beautiful life with fun! Vivian has taught me that fun is far more important than accomplishments. The precious memories are just that, precious.
When Vivian was just a few months old Barbara Bush passed and I cam across a quote she shared that has stayed with me

What ever your goals are for 2020 I hope that you turn to God for the strength you need to reach them. And please do not hesitate to reach out to this gal behind this blog, I'm a real person eager to give!  

PS I'm planning lots of outfit inspiration to share with you this 7th year on Dressing Beautifully! 

Gracious, I can NOT believe I started writing here 6 years ago today! 

I had NO idea what I was doing (still don't) but I was so excited (still am)! 

Dress Beautifully in All that You Do in 2020

XOXO Sarah-Louise

A Life of Giving

Two years ago I left my home, career, friends and family to join Mr as he fulfilled a commitment to practice medicine in the US Navy.  I sit in amazement at the incredible journey it has been.  In the beginning I was a fish out of water, but I made a decision to bloom where I am planted and today I can say that I am a better person for this experience! I took the opportunity to impact the lives of others and embrace my world.  I served as the fundraising chairperson and now president for a non-profit that supports military families.

Two weeks ago my non-profit co-hosted, with a sister non-profit, a luncheon for military spouses.  This luncheon brings together spouses across multiple military bases in the spirit of camaraderie and service.  It involved months of planning for the committee to bring this event to fruition but it was well worth all the hard work. We graciously hosted 150 ladies for a lovely time in sharing special memories.

Our focus was on inspiring our guests to make a life of giving regardless of the circumstances. See, for military spouses we often come second to the job, we move a lot, and we are often separated for long periods of time.  These things can be very discouraging, but they can also be an opportunity.

No matter your situation and responsibilities you are a special and valuable person that has a lot to share.  Each and every one of us has gifts and talents that can be used to give to our family and community. Whether it's at home or to a broader audience, I encourage you to find your passion and use it to give.  There is no gift too small.  As we grow and travel on the journey of life things change and your giving will too, so do what you can when you can!

"We Make a Life By What We Give, Not By Where We Live"

This quote was the focus of our luncheon.  We had four speakers that each had a turning point that brought them to a life of giving.  Each giving in different ways, they were able to provide insight and inspiration for others to find their own way to give.  Rather than stand at a podium, we set up a stage resembling a front porch - they spoke to each other as if we were looking in on a conversation among friends.

Our theme was lemons, linen & lace.  We wanted a fresh, light and simple feel and yellow is the color for friendship. The femininity of vintage linens and a touch of lavender was added for a soft & lovely detail.

Here are some photos from the luncheon

Handmade Keepsakes for Each Guest: Lavender Sachets & Wooden Lemon Coasters 

Centerpieces

 Love these Navy Gals

Dress Beautifully with a Life of Giving

XOXO Sarah Louise