So I guess it’s Memorial Day weekend – already!! That means the pools open here in the south. Do they open pools on Memorial Day weekend in colder places? I’d love to know. If you live in a cold place, let me know in the comments.

I can’t tell you that I’m ready for pool season. I wish I were, but I’m not. I have much to say about the whole eating, dieting, exercising saga (for me it’s a saga), and I plan to write about it soon. But for now I’ll just leave it with – I’m not ready. But then again what is “ready”? I know that even if I was the perfect height and perfect weight – whatever that means – I still wouldn’t be ready. Again, more of these ongoing battle to come . . .

However, we are planning to go to the beach in a few weeks, and I did find the cutest ever swimsuit at Target. Well, I think it’s the cutest ever, plus it was inexpensive. It’s been years since I’ve been in the market for a one-piece swimsuit. You can read more about that in this post and in this post at MoretoBe.com. Do you remember that YouTube video, The Evolution of the Swimsuit, that went a little viral last year by Jessica Rey? Well, these are the swimsuits she designs. In my opinoin, they are so classic and glamorous, and I absolutely love them! I am not buying one yet mainly because they are more expensive, but a swimsuit from her is on my wish-list.

Join us for a Summer Online Bible Study!

Speaking of “perfect bodies” and swimsuits and the beach . . . what about those lies we tell ourselves? As you can tell, I’m still struggling with believing lies about my body image. But the timing couldn’t be more perfect because this Wednesday we are starting a Summer Online Bible Study right here at Triple Braided! We will be reading Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and we will meet here in this private Facebook group. Will you join us?

Even though the book will help you go deeper, you don’t have to buy a book. Join in the discussion anyway!

A Lot of Prayer

My in-real-life friend wrote a wonderful guest post called “Thanking God Even When You Don’t Know Why” at Boundless.org this past week, and I hope you will read it. Becca is 32 years old and single. This is my most favorite few lines from her article:

“I have always admired the indomitable spirit of these saints, but it just seemed unattainable for the average person like me to truly ‘give thanks in all circumstances.’ Then again, if these people were able to thank God in the midst of incredible hardships and suffering, surely I could be thankful in my mere disappointment and discouragement.”

 This weekend I am praying for you. Please leave your requests in the comments or on the Facebook page.

And a Little Encouragement

This week was definitely a great blog-reading-week! Below are links to several articles that I hope you’ll read (and I hope you enjoy)!

Should I Be Content with My Singleness by Betsy Childs on The Gospel Coalition

Sexual Desire and the Single Girl (10 Tips for Purity) by Colleen Chao on TrueWoman.com

How to Handle Attraction by Leslie Ludy on LiesYoungWomenBelieve.com

Reader Question: I Hate My Daughter’s Boyfriend by Sheila on ToLoveHonorandVacuum.com

What If Your 20’s Weren’t What You Expected by Jackie Knaap at The Gospel Coalition

10 Reasons to Memorize Big Chunks of the Bible by Jon Bloom at Desiring God

10 Things Your Won’t Find in a Godly Marriage by Matthew L. Jacobson at The Time-Warped Wife

Third Annual Summer Reading Guide 2014 by Modern Mrs. Darcy

And Even Some Fun

This week’s Cents of Style Fashion Friday Deal: I have one of these of my favorite state and my real home – Georgia!! Today, 5/23/14, you can get a custom designed state necklace for $11.95 & FREE SHIPPING with the coupon code HOME, over 50% off the retail price. 

The necklace is a metal alloy in brushed silver. It has an 18″ chain with a 3″ extender. The pendant is the outline of each state and has a contrasting brushed gold heart charm, as well. Each necklace comes in its own custom designed Cents of Style envelope with string and button closure. 

(This post has affiliate links!)

Praying for you this weekend! Leave your requests below!