{this not that.}

I love the "Eat This--Not That" segment on the TODAY show (and book of the same title); so I've decided to do one of my own. 


It kills me to see girl friends settle for anything less than what God has for them--especially when it comes to relationships. We are all daughters of a King and should be treated as such. Don't ever let anyone make you feel like you aren't worth it. God values you. God chose you. God loves you...and His love is much more grand than anything found in "The Notebook." {although I do adore that movie.} So. . .


...this one goes out to all my single ladies.

 WAIT FOR THIS.

DONT' SETTLE FOR THAT.

{masked.}

Photo by Anna Crane Photography

Has anybody been watching "The Bachelorette" this season? {Come on--you know you have.} ;) One of the possible suitors this year arrived to the show wearing a mask. He wanted "the bachelorette" to see him for what's on the inside. So he walks around looking like The Phantom of the Opera and it is awesome. This past Monday he decided to strip himself of this mask and reveal his face! {side note: he was not given a rose that night.} The mask was so distracting that she couldn't get passed. It seems that all his mask did was hide both his face AND his heart. 

This makes me wonder: how many of us walk around wearing a mask? Sure--we may have good intentions. We want people to see the very best of us. We walk around with our neatly ironed shirts and perfectly combed hair. We use fancy words and order fancy lattes without ever showing anyone the REAL us. God created us each uniquely. We are HIS CREATION. If our Maker is proud of us....why aren't we? It's okay that not every day is perfect. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be human! Sure--we all have our flaws. Who doesn't? There is no such thing as a perfect person.  Let's take me for example: I have crazy curly big hair. I have the hand-writing of a ten year old boy. I can't ride a bike. Sometimes I lack courage. Close to perfect? Nope. Not even close. But? I am becoming the lady God wants me to be. Life is a journey and I'm glad to be on it with Him. Let's face it-- Life is too short to wear a mask. I believe we could reach more people for Christ if we were just REAL. So I ask you this question: Will the real "you" please stand up?

wah [wah] wah.

I took Mr. Darcy (my dog) to the groomer's the other day. When I picked him up they said he had a "bad attitude" while they groomed him.I wanted to say: "Well. If someone were to groom you...you'd probably have a bad attitude too." But I didn't. Side note: Mr. Darcy is a lovely English gentleman [who has a bit of a swagger.]

This had me thinking about our [human] attitudes. I am the kind of person that does not hide emotions at all. If you think I am sad--I probably am. If you think I am happy--I probably am. My face says it all. (I really wish it didn't.) I find myself several times a week complaining about non-important matters: "I'm hungry. /I'm cold./I wish I lived in a castle and had ladies-in-waiting serve me tea." (well the last one might be exaggerated.) 
A few years back a church started a 30 day initiative where they vowed not to complain for 30 days straight. There were wristbands involved and the whole nine yards. I'm pretty sure they made it on Oprah too. Which is like HUGE. (said in a Donald Trump voice.) So. I've decided to not UTTER a complaint for ONE WEEK. I think I can do it. Join me? I mean really--what do we have to complain about? We are loved by AN AMAZING God. Who PAID IT ALL on the cross for us [even though we are big ol' complainers] and never uttered a complaint. 

i'm discovering. . .

. . . that Jesus has a sense of humor.

. . . that i just don't like tornadoes.

. . . that i crave adventure.

. . . that royal weddings aren't just in disney movies.

. . . that i like the taste of red onions.

. . . that all good things are worth the wait.

. . . that my family [are] and will always be my favorite people to be with.

. . . that i'm blessed with the greatest of friends. 

. . . that there isn't anything a good novel and a bubble bath can't cure. 

. . . that i'm rather fond of life.

. . . that i can't wait to meet the apostle paul in Heaven.

. . . that i'm just getting started. 

{perspective.}

diamonds [aren't] a girl's best friend.

A few years back I saw the movie "Blood Diamond" and was really impacted by it's message. Before seeing this movie I had no idea what a conflict diamond was. You may not either. Conflict diamonds are stones that are mined and produced through the forced labor of men, women and children. They are produced in areas that are controlled by rebel forces. These rebels and warlords sell these diamonds and the money is used to fund their ciivl wars in Africa. Many died for the sake of diamonds. These diamonds were being sold in retailers across the world. A study showed that 83% of diamond buyers in the United States do not question the source of their diamond.

BrilliantEarth.com 

In 2003, an initiative known as the Kimberley Process was introduced to reduce the flow of conflict diamonds. The majority of diamonds sold in retailers today are conflict-free. However-may diamond retailers fail to provide sufficient assurance that their diamonds are in fact conflict-free. After seeing "Blood Diamond" I began to do some research on the subject and stumbled across a website called Brilliant Earth. They make sure that every gemstone is mined in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Their diamonds are mined in Canada and Namibia and are 100% conflict free. They also give back a portion of their profits to African communities that were affected by the diamond industry. So before you (or your loved one) go to buy a diamond: ASK where it came from! 


Oh and P.S. : Dear future husband: I don't know who you are. But just in case you are reading this : I like that ring. :)

[top five] danielle-isms.

[sayings.]

1. oh that's cute!

2. huh?

3. this is the best salad i have ever had.

4. i don't know--i was homeschooled.

5. what key is this in?

[bucket list.] *not in order*

1. sit on the giant horse at p.f. changs.

2. be merrily married to my prince and have tiny little homeschooled rock star children.

3. go to wherever God sends me and love whoever He puts in my path. 

4. see my [many] dreams come true.

5. live in a cottage and name it after a jane austen character/place. 

[places i want to go.]

1. new york city.

2. london.

3. prince edward island [canada]

4. north carolina [aka the land of nicholas sparks.]

5. italy.