Tag Archives: priorities

Consistency is Key

Confidence, Life, ,

googley-eye-birdie-has-questions“Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.”

“Variety is the spice of life.”

These are two mantras that I have lived my life by. I wish I could be a woman of routine, but try as I may, I just can’t seem to get my schedule down to a rhythm that works. There are certain things I do every day, but I do not do them in the same order.  Here it is 10:22 in the morning and I haven’t had breakfast yet. Sometimes I eat right away, other times I blog first… Yet I know that, “consistency is key to creating confidence” and honestly, I wish I could make this my mantra!

It was over a year ago when I was preparing for Confident Beauty to be released, and my publisher recommended I started blogging every day. Some time after the release I weened my blog down to twice a week in order to keep my sanity and to re-acquaintance myself with my family. This change in my schedule was a bit like going for a walk after running a marathon.

Have you ever had to do more than you thought you could? Completing an intense challenge is rewarding. Not because it is over, but because, after being stretched and strengthened, going back to the former ways becomes much like visiting Staples. “That was easy.”

The problem comes when we use the “easy button” for too long and we begin to loose our strength. Then when a challenge comes our way that which is easy becomes difficult.

I felt strong about blogging twice a week after doing it daily, but now it’s been a year of bi-weekly blogging and when my website updated and required so much of my time, my blogging got weak. I’m struggling to find my rhythm again. I wonder if you would take 2 minutes to help me by taking this survey

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Is your Busyness Wearing You Out? 

Confidence, Life, , ,

wonder woman“Busy people are happy people.” I used to say with a chuckle every time someone told me I was doing too much.

That’s not my response any more.

I guess my busyness wore out my happiness. Eventually I had to find a better way.

“Seek peace and pursue it” is more my mantra now. The crazy lifestyle that comes with an overbooked schedule got the best of me–and those around me. No one wants my stress added to theirs anymore than they want to sit down to visit and have me telling them to lift their feet so I can vacuum. I had become a disgruntled woman who felt pressured to take care of everyone else’s needs and responsibilities, but then resented them for not taking care of mine. How ugly!

After some difficult reality checks, I made a conscious decision to change my ways. But first I had to examine my heart.

  • Was I so prideful to think I was the best girl for all these jobs?
  • Was I a pushover and afraid to say no?
  • Was I seeking approval and feeling a need to be Wonder Woman?
  • Was I a control freak who needs everything done my way?
  • Was I a woman of low self-esteem who felt she should serve others because they were more valuable than me?

Perhaps I was all of the above, but I didn’t want to be any of them anymore. I needed some answers.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.     Galatians 6:2- 5

If you are feeling overwhelmed by a busy life, I encourage you to take an assessment of your motives. Be sure you are taking charge of your own responsibilities (your load) and allowing others to do the same. When their load becomes a burden, help them. When crisis arrises and your load is more than you can bear, allow others to help you. This can be done when you know your purpose and take pleasure in using your gifts to help others.

I’ve personally found that the tasks and temptations of busyness simply don’t draw me in me like they used to and it’s not only easier to say “no” to things that stress me out, it’s easier to say “yes” to things I know I can do.  I think the “rejoicing in himself alone” is found in the peace and joy of living a balanced life. And it’s available to everyone of us if we seek it and pursue it.   

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Get your Beauty Sleep, Gain Confidence

Beauty, Confidence, Life, , ,

There are three simple things that each of us do every day that has the power to increase your confidence and make you more beautiful: Eat, Move, Sleep.

Woman-Stressed-Out-ComputerYet so many of us deprive ourselves in each of these departments.

When my husband and I were first married he was an early bird, I was a night owl. To compromise our lifestyles I got up earlier and he stayed up later. While that made us productive in the early years when we were young, it is wearing on each of us now and I’m starting to feel the affects of these habits. Especially now that we lay awake at night, when we finally do go to bed, too exhausted to sleep.

It may be true that “busy people are happy people” and “idle hands are the devil’s workshop” but it is also true that a well-rested person is a more focused, creative and optimistic. So why do we push ourselves–and our kids–to the point of exhaustion? This is s a common problem in our culture. Do all the extracurricular activities really help us do well in life if they are keeping us so busy that there is no time to rejuvenate? There have been many studies throughout the years that prove that sleep deprivation affects our cognitive and creative skills.

It also affects our confidence.

While the right amount of sleep, and the time of day that you sleep may differ from person to person (or year to year, depending on the study done at that time!), none of us can deny that we need rest just as much as we need food and exercise. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it is considerate of others because when you meet your own needs you have the strength to care for others properly.

That being said, I need to go to bed now, these bags under my eyes are draining my beauty and my weariness is depleting my confidence.

Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Are Men and Women Really Equal?

Beauty, Confidence, Life, Personal Style, , ,

The opening of the United States Declaration of Independence states as follows:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness…

softball. let looseAll men and women were created with equal rights. Jefferson said this truth was “sacred and un-deniable…” Franklin called it “self-evident” There is something else about the human race that is self-evident: chemically, emotionally and physically we are very different from one another. Just last night saw the evidence again. I was sitting with some other wives watching our husbands play softball. It was a great game. It was the bottom of the last inning, the score was tie, the bases were loaded-you know, the kind of game us gals actually get into.

It is so much fun to watch grown adults let loose and enjoy life.

The sun was setting a beautiful backdrop as we ladies sat laughing, cheering and taking it all in when someone made an error. Suddenly testosterone levels rose and the comments came, “why do they get so mad when they make a mistake? Relax guys! It’s only a game!”

I’d been thinking of what to blog about. Well, there it was.

All week long I have been bombarded with questions from men about why their wives are so stressed about getting old, gaining weight, loosing hair, changing careers, letting the kids go…

My answer: because we are women.

We don’t desire the same thing a man does. Yea, we both want love, joy, peace, and success but it looks different to our hearts than it does to theirs. John and Stasi Eldredge nail the concept in their books, Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul and Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul.

“Every man was once a boy.  And every little has dreams, big dreams,  dreams of being the hero, of beating the bad guys, of doing daring feats and rescuing the damsel in distress. Every little girl has dreams, too: of being rescued by her prince and swept up into a great adventure, knowing that she is the beauty.
But what happens to those dreams when we grow up?
… how many women do you know who ever find that life? As the years pass by, the heart of a woman gets pushed aside, wounded, buried. She finds no romance except in novels, no adventure except on television, and she doubts very much that she will ever be the Beauty in any tale.”
 

Really, our differences make a perfect design if we could just learn to take the advice given from the bleachers, “relax a little.” Maybe it’s time the sexes learn to BE and LET BE.  He wants to be strong, we want to be beautiful; who says either is wrong? Our creator is strong, and He is beautiful; we were made in His image. Is He wrong? Let’s start empowering our men to be who they were designed to be and lets give them grace when they don’t understand our desire. After all, it sure isn’t easy to understand theirs.

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (Colossians 3:13 NLT)

*****

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

What Makes America Beautiful?

Beauty, Confidence, , , ,

Denali_Sunshine_-_Mountain_-_Alaska

Katherine Lee Bates said it well: America the beautiful. Our spacious skies, fields and mountains certainly are majestic, not to mention the music-hearted seas that grace our beautiful shores-but really, every nation has some kind of beauty to be appreciated. Perhaps America’s greatest beauty is the very thing we celebrate this weekend: our independence.

When I was eleven, my family set out on an adventure to begin a new life in Maine. On my first day of school I had kids snubbing me because they thought I was rich (kind of ironic, don’t you think?). I remember going home and asking my mom, “why do they call me ‘rich girl’? We live in a tiny shack, I don’t even have my own room!” Mom’s response baffled me. “Honey, that’s because we come from Cape Cod. People travel from all over the world to vacation there.” Call me naive, but I had no idea I had grown up in a resort area.

 During my junior year of high school, we returned to the Cape and I found myself dumfounded at my friends’ lack of gratitude for our surroundings. I guess it’s not uncommon to take for granted the beauty that is right in front of us-until it’s gone.

I never intend to move off-Cape again; I enjoy every break in landscape that gives a glimpse of the water and I miss it even when I go away for a week.

But I take my country for granted all the time because I don’t know what it is like to live without all that America has to offer. Scenic views may be what draws tourists to places like Cape Cod, but it is the freedom to BE and LET BE that draws so many cultures to the USA. We would all do well to remember that this weekend, as we celebrate Independence Day, because God-forbid we should ever have to go without it.

Independence makes a country beautiful, but it also what makes you beautiful! To celebrate the Fourth of July, I am giving away a copy of my devotional book, Supreme MakeOver, to anyone who buys an autographed copy of Confident Beauty (from my website). Why? Because I was born on Independence Day and I want you to be able to declare your independence from all the Confidence Conflicts that you face, and these two books are designed to bring Confident Beauty, which doesn’t wear off like makeup does!

 

*****

 

Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with overcoming rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

 

Are Cliques Bad?

Confidence, Faith, Life, , , ,

cheering-momsCliques. Nobody likes them unless they are them.

Girlfriends who are having a good time together can (purposely or unmindfully) snub those around them, and if you are the one left out of the fun it can make you feel like an outsider. While these kinds of situations can rock the confidence of some women more than others, none of us like to be left out. But it happens. In fact, the more starved women are for “girlfriend time,” the more selfish we can be with what little of it we get and the more sensitive we can be about being snubbed.

When my kids were young I was able to be home with them and I had lots of time with friends in the same situation. It’s not that the kids, home and husbands didn’t keep us busy, but we would juggle our chores together. “Girlfriend time” was coffee in the minivan going on “lullaby rides.” We would go to the post office, dry cleaners, etc. while taking turns watching the sleeping babies so each mom could run in and out quickly. After stretching their naps out with a ride by the beaches, we would grab groceries together­–one of us would use plastic bags, the other paper–and then go to each others homes to put them away. Talking, laughing, holding each other’s babies while the chores got done. Good times. Productive, fulfilling times.

Now girlfriend time is more of a luxury that few women allow themselves. The only non-digital social time we really get is with the people who are involved in our already busy lives–they work, worship, network, carpool, or cheer at the kids games with us.

But really, is that so wrong?

 

Maybe what we need is to be more “cliquey” and start enjoying any girlfriend time we can get–even if it’s at the school event that we didn’t have time for and feel so awkward at. Maybe we need to notice more when others are longing to get in on our conversations and start include more people in our lives. Maybe it’s time we start juggling our chores together again and taking ourselves for a lullaby ride by the beaches.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing our Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Beauty in Balance is Peace and Joy

Life, Personal Style, , , , , , , , ,

Peace-and-JoyGod is a God of balance. He wants us to be a people of balance in all areas of our lives even in the area of beauty. When we walk in balance, we walk in great peace and joy. Our enemy is no fool, he knows that, and he does not want us walking in that place. He wants to throw our lives out of balance, so that we will be miserable and stressed out.

Satan is very good at throwing us off balance by distorting our understanding of the truth. He takes one side of the truth or the other and blows it out of proportion. When we believe these distorted truths we are left off balance and confused … and God is not glorified in our stressed and striving lives.

The truth about beauty is that God designed it; He loves it, He wants it to reflect Him and to draw others to Him. He wants to be sought after for His beauty, and He made us to feel the same way. Unfortunately, most women have fallen for the lie that they have to have a perfect body to be somebody or at least that their beauty is their worth so they hide, hate or get hung up on their appearance instead of being women of confidence who radiate the glory of God with the image He gave them.

Which side of the truth is the enemy of your soul blowing out of proportion for you? Is his attack on your beauty causing you to be ashamed of who you are? Or do you tend to idolize your desire to be beautiful? Have you given up on ever being lovely and do you walk in shame and self-contempt? Or have you determined in your heart that you will be lovely, no matter what the cost; do you believe that is how you are valued?

We all get thrown off balance at some point. There are a lot of powerful traps set to ensnare us with confidence conflicts. The bait is different for each Img.ID, though.

The Classic’s desire to have things done properly can drive her to perfectionism and her true self may get hidden in busyness.

The Natural’s desire for comfort may drive her to denial and her practical and unpretentious nature may get hidden in laziness.

The Dramatic’s desire for popularity may drive her to demand attention to the point where it may swallow up her independent nature. Rejection and neglect may discourage her to the point of defeat.

The Ingénue’s desire for peace may drive her to desperation or determination and self-reliance or codependency may engulf her beautiful complacent nature.

The Romantic’s desire for acceptance may drive her to flaunt her beauty or focus on pleasing others and her compassionate nature may get swallowed up in selfishness or selflessness.

The Gamine’s desire for justice may drive her to control others and herself so much that she may lose her fun, bubbly nature … and her friends.

For all of us, life is a continuous battle between shame and pride. It takes time to find the balance. This is the “beauty battle” but it is one worth fighting for because when you finally find victory, you find that place of peace and joy and with it comes a confidence that doesn’t wear off like makeup does!

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

If you are interested in having Catrina come speak to your friends, colleagues or ministry you can contact her on facebook or by email at catrina@catrinawelch.com.

 

Keeping the Cheer in Christmas

Life, Personal Style, , , , , , , , , ,

hosts_crop380w

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… but the hustle and bustle of this season can easily rob the joy from our “gay happy greetings” if we let it, don’t you think?

 

Actually, if I may, I’d like to guess which part of this busy season taunts your joy (according to your Img.ID, of course!). Let’s see, the Classic usually wants plenty of time to plan for parties, she wants them organized, structured and timely, so if this is you and you are hosting any events yourself, I’m sure you will give careful attention to all the details, but be careful not to let any glitch in your plan discourage you. Classics tend to halt all progress when overwhelmed and things don’t always get completed. I recommend keeping your plans as simple as you can and do only what you know works. (For example, use “tried and true” recipes for your meals.)

 

Not much disrupts the calm nature of the Natural, except formalities. If this is you, don’t get stressed about the festivities’ details; keep things simple and enjoy your relationships. If you are hosting any parties, remember that those who are coming to your house know you and love you; don’t give in to the social pressure of having to be all glitz and glamour. Your casual beauty should radiate in your home and in your attire, it is what makes others so comfortable around you. Enjoy this season the way you are comfortable celebrating and for the events where you need to be more formal, BE and LET BE.

 

Dramatics, don’t usually need any coaching when it comes to the party scene. If this is you, this is your season to dress up, celebrate and enjoy. The bling you love to wear everyday is acceptable and less intimidating at formal events, so have a blast! If you are hosting any parties (I couldn’t keep that word singular for you!), be careful not to exhaust yourself with all the extra details. If you don’t have time for some of the extras don’t do them–your guests would never have expected them anyway. Most Dramatics don’t mind the work to prepare an excellent time for all their guests, but if they don’t sit and enjoy the party themselves their company never is really able to relax either. If relaxing is hard for you, do it for them.

 

Ingénues are very creative women who also work hard on the details when hosting a party, but for them it may be less out of their own desire and more out of a sense of obligation to whoever they are throwing the party for, because if they have a choice it would usually be a small, intimate party. If this is you, be careful not to wear yourself out making sure all your guests feel very special; remember you are special, too.

 

Romantics would also prefer that her parties were only with friends and family that she knows and loves, but no matter what size it is, if she is hosting it, she will make it an elegant event with candlelight, music, potpourri, lace and fine food. If this is you, you will serve your guests well and be sure every need is met and everyone will enjoy the party; be sure you do, too.

 

Gamines, like Dramatics, tend to love the parties (as long as they love the people at them) but they are more apt to delegate the stress away. If this is you and you need to host the event, I don’t need to suggest you make reservations at a restaurant, or have it catered because you have probable already thought of that. Your parties are not a lot of work but they are a lot of fun, and maybe its time some of the rest of us should learn from you!

No matter which Img.ID you are, enjoy this beautiful season-your way- with confidence that comes from pursuing peace.

Merry Christmas.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

If you are interested in having Catrina come speak to your friends, colleagues or ministry you can contact her on facebook or by email at catrina@catrinawelch.com.

 

 

 

 

Silent Night

Greif, Life, , , ,

 

Silent Night, Holy Night; all is calm, all is bright

‘Round yon virgin, mother and child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace

 We’ve all heard the song. We sing it with reverence as we think about Baby Jesus sleeping soundly in a manger while His sweet young mother adores Him. Often we close our candlelight services on Christmas Eve with it’s soothing tempo, and it brings great warmth and comfort, no matter how difficult the season can sometimes be.

Life wasn’t really all that calm and bright that Christmas Day, though. In fact there must have been chaos all ‘round that mother and child. After all, the nursery was a barn, with animals bleating and sharing their aromatic pleasures with the people everywhere. Remember there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the Inn because there was a major census going on. This was a large family reunion. Everyone had to come; Aunt Martha’s tiff with her sister was not going to excuse her from this one.

There were also uninvited guests. I don’t know, were the shepherds even part of the census? They weren’t in the city when the angles appeared to them, and after they found the baby they told everyone about what they had heard and seen. Luke says the people marveled about it; surely crowds went rushing in to see Jesus for themselves. I imagine everyone there at least knew about the new mom who put her baby in a feeding troth.

I’m not sure Jesus really slept with all that going on. I know He was an infant, but don’t forget, He was Holy; yes, He was tender and mild, but He was still the Lord of all creation. He came to that manger to seek and save the lost, but as a newborn baby He couldn’t do that. Man, it must have been hard knowing the hearts and hurts of all those around Him, but having to wait until the time was right before He could act.

This year, with all the hurting hearts around us, let us do our best to be tender and mild and know our place. Sometimes there is nothing we can do for those around us, except be the sure and steady security that they need. When it is not right to act, ask Jesus to help you to sleep in heavenly peace like He did, and I believe when the right time comes, the victory will come as well.

Merry Christmas, my friends. May God bless you with sweet peace and fill you with great joy.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

If you are interested in having Catrina come speak to your friends, colleagues or ministry you can contact her on facebook or by email at catrina@catrinawelch.com.

 

 

Let Him In Your Boat

Life, , , , ,

Christ_in_Storm_on_Sea_of_Galilee_Ludolf_Backhuysen2There are three accounts in the Gospels that tell the story of Jesus walking on water. Matthew (in chapter 14), Mark (in chapter 6) and John (in chapter 6) each give their viewpoint of what happened that amazing day.

The disciples were in a boat in the middle of the sea during a raging storm attempting to row to shore. They were struggling against the wind when they saw the shadow of Jesus coming toward them. Assuming He was a ghost His followers were frightened, but once they knew it was their Rabi, they gladly took Him into the boat with them and the storm calmed down. Immediately they arrived to where they were going.

Here’s the thing: Before Jesus got in the boat with them, when He told them not to worry, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, if that is really you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Talk about faith being inspired! Wow. I love to see people do amazing things; it encourages me that I can, too. But I’m not sure I would have even thought of trying that one. I mean really, there are times when other people’s great accomplishments are not an inspiration to me. I may be impressed but if its over the top or out of my giftings I simply applaud and let them enjoy the fame.

Finding the faith to act out of our comfort zones can be too much work.

Honestly, I think sometimes we choose too much work trying to prove ourselves, don’t you? I mean, if Peter’s attempt at walking on water was so amazing, why is it that only Matthew mentions it? If this part of the story was so important, wouldn’t all the gospels mention it? Don’t get me wrong, I am not ditching Peter; I applaud him.

Jesus did invite Peter to “come” but remember Peter had asked Him to tell him to come out of the boat. Jesus didn’t ask anyone else to attempt what was unnatural to man. It’s normal to want to have super abilities, and I do believe our Lord is please with our attempts when our heart is to please Him, but I also believe that we sometimes put more on ourselves than He expects us to.

Maybe it’s time we stop trying to be amazing and just invite Jesus into our boat so we can be amazed at Him. Perhaps the storms in our lives will cease and we will swiftly and safely get to shore. Who knows? We, too, could end up where we have been struggling to get to immediately. I get the impression that Jesus was more pleased to be asked to get in the boat than He was to ask Peter to get out of it.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

If you are interested in having Catrina come speak to your friends, colleagues or ministry you can contact her on facebook or by email at catrina@catrinawelch.com.

Walking on Water

Life, , , , , ,

images

Oh, what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to step out of this boat I’m in, onto the crashing waves…

 

Maybe you remember the popular Christian song, “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns? It was always one of my favorites, especially after watching two of my children do human videos (two separate ones) to the powerful lyrics years ago. The tune has been running through my mind for days now, and I simply must share my thoughts with you.

This is for you if you have ever wished you could be better, stronger, more successful. Especially if right now you feel like life is tossing you to and fro and you can’t catch your breath, never mind handle the storm you are in.

The churning seas I face right now is joyous, but still disrupting to my usual life. Confident Beauty has just been released and I am on the move to figure out book signings etc. My daughter has been performing with an elite group of artists and her dreams are soaring with mine. All the men in our lives are being amazing supporters and are helping with all the details that we should be handling-you know, like cooking and cleaning… oh, and decorating, shopping, wrapping…. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, yes, and for us Welch girls it’s the most wonderful time of our dreams, too.

Maybe your storm isn’t so fun. Maybe the waves causing you stress are finances, relationships, employment, weight or hurts, habits or hangups. Is there something you want to get under control, but The waves are calling out [your] name and they laugh at [you], reminding [you] of all the times [you’ve] tried before and failed. The waves they keep on telling [you[, time and time again, “boy[girl], you’ll never win!”?

I want to encourage you today that you do not have to listen to the waves!

… of all the voices calling out to [you]… choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth which (Who) says, “do not be afraid” and “this is for my glory” Trust Him who is able to make all things work together for your good (Romans 8:28)

But there is more.

I’ll share that with you tomorrow.

*****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their confidence conflicts; it is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Losing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available in book stores this spring. All of these books are available now at www.CatrinaWelch.com

If you are interested in having Catrina come speak to your friends, colleagues or ministry you can contact her on facebook or by email at catrina@catrinawelch.com.

 

What Not To Wear

Beauty, Confidence, Life, Personal Style, , , , , ,

imagesI’ve said it, and I’m sure you have too: “I have nothing to wear.”

My husband responds to my whining like he does when our teens say,  “there’s nothing to do!” He laughs and says “oh, of course not.” After a number of changes in attire I immerge from the closet and Ron will respond, “I see you found, ‘this ol’ thing’.”

Putting an outfit together can be a dilemma, and I’m afraid it’s just hard for our husbands to understand. It’s not that we don’t appreciate our luxurious American closets; it’s just that… well, honestly, we just don’t want to wear most of what is in there. Why?

  • The items stand alone, with no complimenting garment
  • The color / texture / style drains us, and zaps our energy
  • We lost (or never found!) the accessories to finish the outfit
  • They are uncomfortable
  • They are too big, baggy, bulky
  • They are too tight, short, revealing
  • They are stained, stretched, worn out
  • They are missing a button, have a snag, broke a zipper

Or how about this one, which no husband seems to understand:

  • “It’s just not me, I love it, but I feel [phony, old, boring] wearing it…”

imagesAs an image consultant, I love to do wardrobe assessments; it’s kind of like doing undercover marriage rehab. I know it seems a bit shallow to say that an organized wardrobe could help a couple get along, but like cleaning house, there is a certain liberation that happens when clutter is removed. Sometimes less is more. Less to choose from can bring more power if all the choices are good ones.

If you are looking to have a more simplified wardrobe, and are willing to let go of things that need to be passed along or thrown away, then follow these simple (but not necessarily easy) steps:

  • Look through all draws, shelves and hangers for what not to wear. Pull out anything that robs your confidence or breaks the guidelines for your personal image identity. Don’t forget to go through your accessories.
  •  Physically remove these items from your closet. Yes, even those comfy sweats that you don’t want to be caught in, but somehow think your husband doesn’t mind seeing you in. Make a “give away” pile and a “throw away” pile and then do just that – and do it right away before you decide to wear it one more time.
  • Put together as many complete outfits as you can with what is left. Make sure you have adequate attire for your lifestyle. (How many casual outfits do you need? How many professional? Dressy?)
  • Document the missing pieces (i.e. “If I had a white tank top, this could be another outfit.”) Sometimes it helps to take a picture of the incomplete outfit so you can look at it when shopping for what it needs. (This can help you find the right color too.) Other times a list is all you need.
  • Shop. That’s right, I give you permission (sometimes we need that, don’t we?) Seriously, check your budget and go out on a mission to invest in your marriage (ok, I am being obnoxious here, I know, but just play with me.) Remember the saying “if mamma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”? Well if your wardrobe is all about what NOT to wear, and it is robbing your joy, then please, spend a little money for your family’s sake! Do not worry, a woman with a list is not nearly as damaging as a frustrated one who only knows she has nothing to wear.

****

Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.