My Recollections as of Late......

With all the graduations and such going on right now, it brings back memories from last year when I was graduating. I was just as happy as could be and so pleased I had things somewhat figured out what I was going to do after high school. The Lord had led my sister Marianna and I both to start an online modest clothing boutique. I've always had dreams of opening up something like that with a tea room and all! (Except, we thought we better not juggle any more than one thing at a time! ;) And good thing we didn't!)

So, we opened an online modest clothing store after lots and lots of prayer, and the Lord leading us to do so.

Let me tell you, the big dreams I had about it taking off and going so well, quickly came to a hault as I hit reality and things didn't go as planned. They went the hardest way that seemed possible as far as opening a business goes. And, I didn't even have the hard part in the business! My poor sister Marianna was wracking her brain trying to build a website along with constantly having glitches one right after another! I remember our first conference last June we were up every night at the rough hours of 2 and 3am the week of the conference trying to get everything tagged and ready. It was insane! Sometimes we just wondered what are we getting ourselves into? Is this worth it? This past year hasn't been an easy one, but instead, rather stressful.

But you know what I've learned? Life isn't gonna be easy. So I better just learn to relax, sit back, and fully rely on the Lord and enjoy each moment He's given me.

However, that's so much easier said then done! I do sometimes find myself struggling to be content with where God has me right now, and trying to figure out what to do. Since a new business takes a few years to get established, it's been hard to pay bills, save money etc....

So this bring me to a question I'm asking the Lord right now....... if I should get a second job to go with BelIissima.

I know the Lord called Marianna and I to do this online modest clothing boutique and I don't want to give up with it. And most of all, we want this first to be a ministry before a business. But like I said, I also need to pay bills too! And I know the Lord will provide--He always does. But my thoughts raise the questions, that if I should get a job in addition to Bellissima, I have no clue where to get one at that would have the flexible hours I would need. So, I'm confused. And I need prayer as to what to do. My parents advise me to see how things go after this summer and fall and then decide.

So all that to say, those are the thoughts flooding my mind lately.

On the other hand, I know without a doubt the Lord is with me through every step of life and He's going to be there to lead, guide, and provide for me. I was fretting too much about my life and future. But a couple of weeks ago, the Lord and I just had this really special time together and He assured me that if I delight myself in Him, He WILL give me the desires of my heart and He will lead and guide me. He is so awesome and comforts me in a way I can't describe!

I've really been trying lately to be joyful no matter what my circumstances may be in life, and to enjoy this time and each moment of my life for it's all a gift. I don't want to waste any precious time waiting around for things to maybe get better when I can accomplish so much, RIGHT NOW! And, If I'm not happy right now in life, I'm never going to be fully happy and satisfied. I have to make the choice to make the most of each new day, and use it fully for His glory and honor. Can you pray for me that I would be better about doing that?

And last but not least, I am so incredibly blessed with a family who loves the Lord, and parents who seek Him and obey Him and ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance and who are able to guide me in their wisdom from the Lord.

What more could I ask for? :)

So, anyway, if you could please be praying for me, and actually my whole family as we are all going through some major decision making right now. It's a difficult time, but yet, at the same time it's strangely wonderful in the sense that we are becoming stronger in the Lord through these struggles in life.

Anyway, thanks to anyone who reads through my little ramble here. :)

Also, one more quick prayer request....we (Marianna and I) have our first conference for the summer that we'll have a booth at, coming up this weekend and I'm actually really excited about it this year! So far, everything has gone smoothly, but be praying everything would continue to go smoothly, and any area we're lacking in, the Lord would just provide for us. We hope we'll sell a lot, but most of all, we hope to be able to be a blessing to others. So be praying for us!

Have a blessed day!
~Michelle