My New Necklace

Here's the scoop, I'm not a big jewelry person. 

So why am I blogging about a necklace?

Great question!  I love to look at jewelry and SO admire people who can pull off wearing a necklace or earrings that match their outfit but it's just not me.  Don't get me wrong, I definitely Ooo and Ahhh over jewelry.  I recently bought my mom-in-law a gorgeous bracelet for Christmas.  I loved it but probably wouldn't wear it.  I've tired to wear jewelry and just feel silly changing things to match my clothing.  I'm not a big accessory person.  I own 1 small purse, 5 pairs of shoes:

- 1 pair of winter boots

- 1 pair of tennis shoes

- 1 pair of brown casual shoes

- 1 pair of brown sandals

- 1 pair of black sandals and that one was a big splurge!  I really debated but wanted a dress to look nice.  Thankfully, I found a pair for $5 at the thrift store!!  

Please know that I do NOT think there is anything wrong with owning lots of jewelry and shoes, after all, somebody has to stimulate the economy and keep those industries going :-)  As long as your heart is in the right place, own as much jewelry and shoes as you want!

That said, if I wear jewelry it has to have HUGE meaning.  Therefore, I wear my wedding ring, another ring that belonged to my mother.  She received it as a gift after her confirmation when she was 14 years old in 1947.  Finally, I wear a necklace.  I wear it every single day!  For a few years I have been wearing a simple silver cross.  It represents my faith in Jesus which means a great deal to me!

A couple years ago I started following this funny gal on Twitter.  Her name is Beki and she brightens my day with her silly tweets and perspective on life.  She also has a thriving jewelry business called The Rusted Chain.  Despite having almost 5,000 twitter followers I've gotten to know her a little via Twitter and consider her a Twitter friend (are you feeling special yet Beki?)

I decided about a year ago that I wanted to order a necklace from The Rusted Chain but I knew it had to be super special.  The Rusted Chain does custom pieces & I've been mulling over my decision of what I wanted made.  Right before Christmas I won, via their Facebook page, a $50 gift certificate!!  Whoo-hoo!  Honestly, I felt a little guilty since I really was planning to eventually order a necklace but I quickly got over my guilt and ordered the following...

My life goal is found in the words of Jesus...

Matthew 22:37-40 ...Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind...and love your neighbor as yourself."

Anyone who knows me personally knows how much I LOVE my neighbor kids.  Even my work in Ethiopia is partly for them.  I want them to understand how much they have available to them in this country of ours and to study hard and prepare for college, to learn about Jesus and let Him transform their lives.  This necklace is totally me and I won't be taking it off!  It's special and it came from a great company.  I encourage you to check out The Rusted Chain and order something special today!  Also, look at your life and ask yourself if you are truly loving your neighbor as yourself...it's a command that doesn't mean just once, we are to do it daily...