Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Friday, March 8, 2013

Pity Party to Praise!

I can't tell you the last time I have been so tired...and it isn't just physical exhaustion, I am emotionally drained. During this journey there are times the "pity monster" comes and sticks his nose up against me and I just fall into his trap.   I know better.  I know scripture.  I know the Lord loves me....and yet so easily I will succumb to the invitation with my RSVP...yes attending, the Pity Party. 

The last six months have given me plenty of reasons to say "yes" to the invitation to the Pity Party.  I attended, then felt sick over my reaction. I picked myself up and turned the pity into praise. Today I want to invite you to my shaking off the dust of pity and turn into Praise Party.

One of my pity parties was over the lack of money to enjoy my daughter's upcoming wedding in the fashion I wanted. I just knew that after the young couple had paid for their own wedding that I would be attending looking like a rag-muffin. Now we know better. God knew my heart and He knew what could be done. He supplied me with more than I could have imagined...and I didn't look like a rag-muffin. I am sharing my pity party exchange with you.

Outfit for Rehearsal Dinner - New Dress - New Shoes...and a bounce in my step. Total Cost for Outfit - $25.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shoes $15.00 and Dress $10.00 Thank you Ross and TJ Maxx



Now for the wedding outfit. My poor husband heard my unbelief in this area as the wedding galloped closer and closer. God in His mercy didn't discipline me with a harsh "No girl, you have rent to pay." Instead He took me to a sale!



My dress - $38.00....thanks to Dillards sales....shoes that were still like new in my closet matched the dress.


Wedding day taken care of for me. Benjamin was the ring bearer. The tux rental for him would pay our electricity for a month. Thrift store shopping we went...because it will never be used again. Blazer, black dress pants and black dress shoes....total $10.00! Our biggest expense was his red bow tie...$7.00!!!!!!!!!!!!

No, I don't have pictures in yet....so give grace on this phone picture...but you can see how handsome Benjamin was as a ring bearer. I must say, they all were just so handsome and beautiful to this mom.  The three in white ties walked in front of the Bride and her Dad and the one in the black tie was a groomsman.


Hubby hasn't worn suits in years, due to changes in jobs. His were out-of-date and a little tight. Thrift store again for the Father-of-the-Bride.....$10.00 That is right...we all went to the wedding in style. What a different way of shopping than our son's wedding where.we rented four tuxedos and bought one bride's maid dress and shoes.  Could anyone tell the difference at this wedding? I think not! Now when you see the pictures you will know the story behind our clothes..............then tell me if you could tell we didn't spend our rent money. God is faithful.
  When I stop the pity party He takes it and turns it into a Praise!

yes there are still more wedding tales....get ready to laugh...and see more pictures
I also get to see my grandson for the first time this weekend...he  should be coming home to live permanently with my son and daughter-in-law soon.  They become first time parents to a beautiful  two- year- old!  

31 Joining in with more words:

Always Nesting said...

I feel speechless. You are amazing and once again He came through and every outfit is beautiful, just beautiful. Thank you again for lifting me with your inspiration from pity to praise in my own life. Big squeezy hugs.

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I could laugh out loud and I could cry big tears over this one!!! God has a miraculous way of not only getting us by, but making the whole thing a huge WOW factor!! This is such an incredible testimony Janette, and I can't wait for more pictures. Just PRECIOUS!!! :)

Lisa said...

You all were beautiful! I love your outfits! Those blue shoe are TDF! Thanks for sharing your testimony on the faithfulness of our God.:)

Vee said...

What a beautiful family! Benjamin looks just as handsome as can be and he looks very happy in his role. This is a great witness to the goodness of God and His creative kids. love it!

Angela said...

Those outfits are soooooooo beautiful...and love the wedding picture...just glorious..and your right..when the pity part song stops, the praise song begins..I have been reminding myself that over and over today..I've had one foot in two rooms'..pity party room and praise room and I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOO....done!~ Let the praises begin and stay and continue on and on and on.

Farm Girl said...

What beautiful clothes! Not to mention those awesome shoes!!! I can't wait to to hear all of the wonderful stories of God's provision.
God is so good!

Angela said...

I LOVE those blue shoes! And you and Bill (as well as all the kids) looked so good!! God has been faithful and He will keep on being faithful. I am thankful and inspired that you too have been faithful to keep on looking up. Love you, friend!

Sally said...

You go, super shopper! I love making the perfect out of recycle and reconstruct. Love the shoes, both pair. What a great day, congratulations to everyone!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

So, so awesome! The way God provided in such a beautiful way :) Lovely photo!

Vickie said...

Everything turned out beautifully, Janette! All we gotta do is step back and let God do his thing! He knows what you need before you even ask. God is good and kind and thoughtful - He really fixed your family up - you all look great and like you just stepped out of a magazine!

Pom Pom said...

Yay! Your two outfits are very pretty. Nice picking and nice appreciating, good Janette!
I hear the joy in your writing voice. HE is so good to us. HE reigns over all. Whew!

Debbie said...

I loved hearing every inspiring word of this! Our God always supplies our needs. I LOVED your outfit, and those shoes were perfect. Benjamin looks adorable and so do the rest of your kids. Such a good looking family!

I am soo excited for you to meet your new grandson. Oh the blessings the Lord has in store for you!

Can't wait to see more pictures of this beautiful day! I am just smiling ear to ear over here!

HUGS

Anonymous said...

Janette,
I have been catching up on your blog. I can't believe your daughter's wedding was last weekend! That came along fast.
She looked so beautiful, and your dresses are gorgeous.
Thank you for sharing your heart and struggles. They are such a blessing and encouragement.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Tanna said...

God is so faithful. Your family is just beautiful, Janette!! And, every single outfit looked perfect for the most special occasion. Praise the Lord. blessings and hugs ~ tanna

Christine said...

I am jumping up and down, giggling with delight!
You have lifted me up more then you will ever know. The Pity Party was in my neighborhood. I will not attend!

Thank You!


PS, What a beautiful day. Look at all those smiles.
She is gorgeous!


Anonymous said...

I can re-let to all of this --Loveliness of getting ready for a wedding -- and I can believe you found such finds - and when we are watchful he blesses us even more.. I shop there too because of our income issues... and found a dress and a pair of shoes all for $6 dollars for my birthday - I'll email you the photo..
Can't wait to read more..
Hugs

Crickit said...

You sure did find some great wedding attire for everyone! It really makes it special when you got such great deals... And no one would be the wiser. Congrats on being a grandma... It is absolutely the best thing ever! :)

Brenda Lazzaro Yoder, said...

Janette, I am smiing from ear to ear because God is so good and also because I love, love thrift shopping. Praise Him for all of this. I can't wait to hear more about the wedding! Love you dear friend!

Sandy said...

I am rejoicing here with you, Janette! Our Father supplies every need according to His riches in glory....which are limitless. I cannot wait for more pictures. These are all just wonderful, your dress was gorgeous and both pair of shoes...divine! Little Benjamin could not have looked more handsome as well as all your other sons. And, as I've already said, the bride...just so beautiful.
Hugs & Blessings~

Debbie Petras said...

I read your post yesterday but got interrupted so I had to return today to comment. I'm so excited for you! Praise the Lord for His goodness. I can't believe how you were able to get such wonderful bargains and yet have such a polished and beautiful look as mother of the bride. Your daughter looked beautiful in her dress. And Benjamin looked so cute! What a joy he is. I am looking forward to more photos.

Love,
Debbie

Rebecca said...

If God so clothed the lilies of the field....

I can't WAIT to see the pictures - and KNOW your heart will burst open when you see that new grandson, Janette♥

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

You've proved God's faithfulness once again!
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

I am so happy for you and can't wait to hear more!

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Again your creativity came to the rescue with a little Divine inspiration. Janette, you are one incredible woman. And you have raised and incredible family as well, all handsome sons and a beautiful daughter.

podso said...

Your pity to praise is a wonderful post and a lesson for us all. The wedding pictures are beautiful and your wedding finery looks elegant. Amazing what a little creativity and prayer can do!

podso said...

I also meant to say how exciting that the little one is arriving in your family!

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

I knew it! You always triumph with God leading the way. Everyone looks absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! Can't wait to see more pics of YOU dear friend. Those outfits were ALL PERFECT!!!! I couldn't agree more on the true value of thrifting. We buy everything used and I was a wreck having to pay to meet my baby brothers expectations on his formal wedding (new gowns n tuxes for us 4). I was blessed with my mothers help then... Praying for healing for your father and more causes to celebrate from you soon. Rest up and report back when you can!
xoxoxo
Leslie

Sharon said...

I am in awe! I can't believe the *deals* you got! Your two outfits are so beautiful, Janette. Very stylish. I can't wait to see pictures of you wearing them. And that photo of your children! Oh my. What a handsome and beautiful group!

God taught me a mighty lesson here. He can indeed take our *filthy rags* and turn them into glorious robes of righteousness.

Sign me up for the Praise Party!!

GOD BLESS!

Patty Marker said...

I am crying and praising God at the same time. He is faithful!!!! Thank you for reminding me of that. What a beautiful wedding party. Can't wait to hear more.

Sue said...

I am so glad I finally decided to open my computer this evening. I am so sorry I missed the wedding, but what a joy to catch up tonight. Your daughter is so beautiful, and her sweet husband so handsome, and those sons of yours too. Now my little prince charming in the red bow tie, is something special, excuse me I mean extra special!!!
I can only imagine how beautiful you were looking, and to sum up all these posts in one phrase.... WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!!, and He is so GOOD ALL the Time!! I believe that is two phrases, I could go on but will make this short.
You and I could sit on the porch and talk about the Greatness of God for eternity, and BTW if we don't get to here on earth, we most certainly will be shouting His praises for eternity, and I am so looking forward to this.
Much love,
Sue

Pen Wilcock said...

Hooray! Looking forward to seeing photos of you wearing your beautiful outfits on that wonderful day. xx

Marsha Young said...

Don't you just love it when God takes "pity" on us at our pity party and delivers us with wonderful answers to our needs - and even our hopes! :)

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