JCrew, you've broken my heart.

What in the world happened to the "old" JCrew with styles of southern charm, simplicity, and affordable purchases throughout the store? My heart is broken. My favorite store in the entire world is now too expensive for me to afford. It is outrageous and I just don't understand it. Were they not doing well enough or did they feel that in order to keep up with the times they had to raise their prices so unbelievably high. Agrh. For example, one pair of pants from JCrew now costs anywhere from $89 to $1,200. Are you kidding me?? And... what's up with this new style?





I mean, if I want to go hunting with my husband and want to look cute- I guess this will do.

And this? A $540 orange vest? Seriously? It's cute, but not worth the money. I'll take the money and buy me a new couch.



And this?? How much do you think this is? Oh get ready.... $1,145. I'm cringing as I am writing that wondering how anyone in their right mind could spend that much on a single jacket. Wow.


What happened to preppy belts, amazing khakis, colorful, yet cozy wardrobes? Oh JCrew.... I am about to turn my back on you. And am I sad about this? Yes, truthfully I am. Please come back to me. Please bring my snappy, preppy, simple, southern style back to me. I've missed you and I will continue to.

If you fail...try, try again!

I keep failing at blogging. It always sounds like such a wonderful idea. I am going to try...yet again to blog! I was blogging about advent and will continue to do so, but I wanted to change my blog look to a "softer look." So, here's to yet another attempt! I am going to go finish the night up with watching House Hunters. :)

Advent 2

Matthew 3:1-12

A hairy, often smelly, flea-bitten, insect-eating, sharp-tongued wilderness man. Not at all like the well-mannered softies that lived in the king's palace. But they were coming from all around to hear this John. Many would be so shaken by his message that they would be baptized. Some people hear this today and still get shaken up. John the Baptist was human roughage. But Jesus called him a prophet.

John the Baptist was full of the Holy Spirit. That's why his words hit home with so many. But he knew there was a greater power and greater effectiveness than he could ever have. For however much he was inspired by God, he could not send that Spirit into anyone. Could he cause them to put their sins behind them? Yes. Or strive to be holy? Yes. But he could not give them the presence of God; he could only tell them to prepare for the One who could and would give it.

It was John's job to tell of the One to come, the Messiah, the One who would send the Holy Spirit into those he baptized. One whose words and deeds would have even more impact than John's. One who would separate out or winnow the good from the bad, the fruit from the waste materials. One that John knew as friend and family, whom John had already come to respect and highly value, but didn't know as the One. The One was Jesus. Throughout His ministry, and in the early years of the apostles after Jesus' death, Jesus and his followers would keep coming across people who had come to love God through John's work. Some who heeded John's call soon took up their crosses and followed Jesus. But John's call for repentance helps us prepare, too, for John was just trying to get people to do what God wanted, and that's how anyone can be prepared for the presence of God-with-us.

Send Your Spirit, Lord, to fill everything about us. Drown our sinful selves in the waters of repentance. Give us the power and guidance to live as You would have us live. Amen.

Bob Longman

Advent 1

First Sunday in Advent, 28 November 2010

Matthew 24:36-44

To set the scene in Matthew : Jesus has been talking about a time of trouble to come. He warns that many are going to die, and that there will be many false prophets and messiahs. He tells us to look for the buds that bring forth the new leaves of the new world.

Now he tells us something even more ominous : noone knows when it will come, not even Jesus. Everyone will be busy living life in the same way they always have, completely careless about the things that matter most to God. (Sounds familiar? Like today?) Then, "as lightning" (v.27), the Lord returns, bringing with Him the kingdom of God. That's not a problem for those who are busy doing God's work on earth; they're already living out the Kingdom. They have the hope in their hearts; they want what's coming. But what if that's not you? What if you're unprepared? What if you're caught partying when you should be serving? What if you've been foolish with the gifts God has given you, wasting it out of laziness, or worse, hoarding it because you're afraid to use it up?

Don't wait for the Kingdom to come before you start living for it. Part of it is already here, wherever faith in Christ is lived out. The Kingdom life was meant to start here on earth, in this life, in this world, among these people around you. Live it because of your love of God, and you will be ready when he returns -- don't sweat the rest, because it's in good hands.

Father, may your Kingdom come. May your will be done now on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

written by:Bob Longman