Actions Speak Louder Than Words August 26, 2008

When I began Lovely Pearls back in November, it was out of pure obedience to Him and my personal desire to share with you all that was going on in my crazy mind!  Over the past couple of years, I have learned and grown in wonderful ways!  I had hoped that this blog would be very interactive among you readers, but I’ve definitely enjoyed the email responses and comments you all did give.  Now as Gerardo and I are beginning this new season, I feel my own focus and attentions rearranging and believe once again He is calling me . . .

I have decided that there is a really good chance this is my last post.  My desire is to put more action to my thoughts and His teachings.  I would rather put my efforts towards interacting personally with you all and doing life together rather then just sharing about mine.  No worries – I am definitely keeping Lovely Pearls up and running, and hope you all enjoy referring back to some of the posts rather it be by categories, dates, or whatever.  God is continually at work, and I hope you seek Him intentionally.  He never called us to be comfortable!

Thank you for letting me share with you some of my favorites about today (1, 2, 3, 4), grace, joy, all the blessings, and even a random gift sack!  I know I shared lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of verse and quotes as well.  We are all beauties and warriors in His eyes, and I pray you all continue to share His love with everyone around you!

For all of you regular readers, I love having this relationship with you and pray that it only grows stronger.  I’m going to try to remain pretty active on Facebook ‘Libby Shinn Myrin’ and also don’t want you to hesitate to email me at libby.myrin@okstatealumni.org.

Thank you all!  Love you!!!  xoxo . . . simly, classy, fun!!!

(In case it’s not visible, there are several links in this text.)

Two Questions August 5, 2008

I’m a big supporter of being authentic and open!  And I also want to know more about you and what’s going on!  So . . .

What is something with which you struggle?

What is something you have overcome?

(Comment or email me at libby.myrin@okstatealumni.org)  Love you all!

Thank You!!! June 20, 2008

I just want to thank each and every one of you that reads this blog!  I appreciate your support, encouragment, faithfulness, and tolerance! Your comments and email replies always make my day, and I love hearing from you!

So what do you guys want from Lovely Pearls?  More or less of anything?  Health?  Relationships?  Spiritual?  Random?  Libby’s life updates?  What do you like best?  I’m totally open to your thoughts!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!  Love you all!!!

Meet My Favorite Reality TV Star!!! June 18, 2008

I heart Kaitlyn!

So I went to the gym last night, hopped on the treadmill, turned on the TV (yes, each cardio machine has its own idiot box – ahhh mazing!), and was just in time to watch this darling girl perform!!!  Click on her name to watch her ‘make your heart happy’ performance!

Blogging Style May 14, 2008

My style of blogging is probably not the typical or popular approach but I’ve accepted it.

• I stay away from really controversal topics, even though those get the most attention normally.  I’m not a fan of conflict nor debating, despite how beneficial they usually are.
• I would include more info about my family if we were more exciting or interesting.
• I’m not one to really ‘pimp’ my blog, as they call it.  I tried that earlier . . . not for me.
• I intend to reply to those who comment on a post . . . ‘intend to’ is the key phrase.
• There’s no such thing as a blog stalker, Kristen and Beth. That’s one of the purposes of blogs.
• I would make my blog’s appearance prettier if I knew how.
• I don’t ever see myself using Twitter.  The idea of people knowing (or even wanting to know) what I am doing every hour of my day makes me uncomfortable.
• I really just like to share what God’s showing me.
• Maybe my blogging style attempts to correlate with the attempt of Lovely Pearls – simple and classy.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh . . . May 5, 2008

i’m suffering from blogger’s block.

i’m not sure exactly why . . . maybe it’s because my mind isn’t totally clear; maybe it’s because i noticed on those silly blog stats that my readers have gradually declined since the beginning of the year; maybe it’s because i often feeling like i’m lecturing my humble little views when i post.  whatever it is, i’m struggling.

i believe i’m entering into a new season, one of action.  my focus right now is to encourage and serve. i want to get out there and do. i’m honestly tired of planning ,strategizing, thinking through, and analyzing things.  i want to simplify and act.  please bear with me . . .

for those of you that are reading, I LOVE YOU!

I’m Back!!! May 1, 2008

May is here!!!!  And so am I!!!  Enough with the blogging sabbatical. I missed you guys!

How have ya been??? What’s new???

God has definitely been working in me . . . I feel like I have plenty to post about . . . but we’ll take it slow!  I want May to last as long as possible!

But for now, enjoy today!

Blogging Sabbatical April 14, 2008

Yup, that’s right. I’m going to take a blogging sabbatical for a bit.  Not sure how long, but I promise to be back in full force once its over.  (Please keep me on your reader or email list.)  I just feel there are lots of things going on and other areas of my ministry that need my attention right now, and I never want to force posts on here.  I may post some old ones or would love to have some guest bloggers if any of you are interested!

I so love all that goes on in the blogging world and the incredible opportunity to share with others. I just believe my tank of valuable contributions is a bit low right now so I don’t want to devalue what I hope Lovely Pearls has become.  God is totally working in me and around me, and I want to focus on listening, obeying, and trusting Him.

So enjoy your day!  I’ll talk to you soon!  Love you all!

Experiencing the Greatest Commandments March 24, 2008

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  Matthew 22:36-39

If I had to wrap up this weekend, I would honestly say we were blessed to experience the greatest commandments. All weekend long while Gerardo and I spent most of our weekend at the LifeChurch.tv South OKC campus, we were surrounded by love for Him and love for each other.  This love has changed our lives and the lives of so so many involved.

(I must point out, though, that we can’t successfully try to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind. But that’s where His love comes in, and if we surrender our efforts and desires to Him, He’ll take care of it for us! And in order to allow Him to work fully during Easter, tons of prep and hardwork were involved.)

Not only did those of us on staff and volunteering experience it all, lives are changing because of it!!!  God worked through His love in some many people and families this Easter weekend.  Thank you, Lord, for letting us be a part!!!

Sacrifice March 13, 2008

(I was given the opportunity to make a guest appearance on Swerve . . . )

The idea of sacrifice as part of ministry has often created some uncertainty for me. As we serve Him through ministry, sacrifice is just part of the deal. But my question is to what extent should we sacrifice?
Some are obvious because the sacrifices allow us to put our complete trust in God . . .
We sacrifice having a larger income.
We sacrifice our energies and efforts.
We sacrifice our control.
But when does the sacrifice actually hinder our ministry . . .
We sacrifice our time . . . How much time with our family does that include?
We sacrifice our personal desires . . . At what point do we disregard our personal desires completely?
We sacrifice some of our gifts and passions for the sake of ‘the call’ . . . Could we at times actually be denying His purpose for us?
For me, the sacrifice I have experienced has been life-changing. He’s broken me to build me in Him. My relationship with my Lord is deeper; my marriage is stronger; my view of myself is healthier; my friendships are more real; and my passion to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ is almost consuming. But I’m not a pastor. I don’t get calls at all hours of the day. My husband’s schedule is rather flexible. We don’t have children. We only have to support two 25-year-old lifestyles (and two pups’ J ). Don’t get me wrong – the Enemy definitely likes to send his efforts my way, but . . . 
I see others in ministry and the sacrifices they have made. The fathers of large families. The wives that get the kids ready, work all day, then cook and clean in the evenings. The people that give ALL of themselves to the point of crashing. How do you deal with that kind of sacrifice?  How do you make those decisions as to the extent of your sacrifice?
When it comes down to it, nothing we could ever sacrifice is even partially comparable to His Sacrifice for us.  Maybe that is the ultimate answer.