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Hi friends! 

This is the last post on Rustic Views. I decided to move to Wordpress in order to have more creative freedom. From now on, should you choose, you can follow along here. Thanks for sticking with my random posting. Hoping to bring more consistent content on my new domain.

Best wishes!

All the feels..

Lately it feels like my emotions have been all over the place. Despite the way I feel I've been trying to focus myself on remaining steady. Yesterday ended up being a hectic day and I actually didn’t get to read my daily chapters in the Word. I was up from about 2:30 on last night though and I decided to catch up on yesterday’s chapters, as well as, read my chapters for today out of the One Year Bible. One of the chapters I missed was Genesis 45 and this verse stuck out to me “But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.”  

To put this all in context, this chapter consists of Joseph (sold into slavery by his brothers, had a coat of many colors) meeting his family after many years. At this point Joseph is now the Governor of Egypt and in charge of distributing food during the famine (that Joseph foretold). I started putting myself in Joseph’s shoes. I’m face to face with these men (family no less!) that completely betrayed me and they’re asking me to give them food. Their life is literally in Joseph’s hands and what does he do??  He shows compassion. He sees the bigger picture God orchestrated. He CHOSE to see the good instead of the overwhelming evidence against his brothers. I love that.

I love that the Lord knows just how to speak to our hearts. Anything I’m facing completely pales in comparison to what Joseph went through.  It feels big because I can tend to overthink things, but really all I'm responsible for is me. I say this all the time but perspective.is.everything.

Nostalgia

Do you ever catch yourself looking around your house and something catches your eye and you think... I want to remember this forever.  That's what this picture means to me. It seems at face value that it's just a mess in the corner, but I see the boy that this mess belongs to.

My son, Ian, is 11 years old, and he has been playing baseball since he was 3.  He has grown up devoting his Spring, Summer, and sometimes Fall to practices and games for a sport he loves.  The fact is that it's not just him that devotes time to it but his entire family.  Our summers are pretty much filled with practices and ball games and over time, as much as we feel like we'd really rather be doing something else out of sheer exhaustion, the truth is that we love it just as much as he does.

I'm super sentimental when it comes to my kids as it is, but knowing that my son is a year and a half away from being a teenager causes me to hold tighter to him. I know that once he's a teenager those years are going to fly by faster than the 11 we've already had with him. So when I see this mess in the corner, I get to remember him as a little boy that doesn't think about much outside of baseball, football, and video games.

One day my boy is going to set his sights on other things and I know I'll be wishing for the days spent on the dusty baseball fields and the 100 degree temps. So, for now, I'm not going to fuss about the mess he left in the middle of the floor. I'm going to savor the moment.

2017

I have begun to embrace the term "seasons" as it pertains to life. If there is one thing I wish someone would have told me going into adulthood it's that you go through life in stages, but those moments, though seemingly long, won't last forever.

When I look back on my 20's I see it broken up in seasons. There was a season of creating a family, there was a season of change (moving from house to house, city to city, etc.), there was a season of self discovery. There are busy seasons and there are quiet seasons. 

Chris and I are going into our 13th year of marriage, and we no longer have babies in the house. I've been asked how you know that you're finished having kids and my response is always "you just know". It feels like there's always a longing in your heart for one more little baby, and then you just reach a point where that's not there anymore. You just know that everyone who is supposed to be in your family is here. Then you close the book on that chapter.

So now, we begin another season.  To see these little babies into their own adulthood.  I'm at a place now where I'm beginning to have more free time and I'm looking forward to devoting more time to this blog. I've looked back through previous posts and it's more than a little embarrassing, but I've grown as a person. You have to start somewhere..

I'm looking forward to what the year 2017 holds for us. I have huge expectation in my heart and I look forward to sharing with you as it all plays out. Cheers to the new year!

Essential Oils

Hi readers!  I made it back….only took me a year!  One of my goals for this year is to try to pick back up with my blogging.  My youngest  child is now 2 and I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  She still follows me around like a shadow, but she’s becoming more independent and that’s freeing me up little by little.

To update you, life has been pretty much the same since we last spoke.  This year I have made some deliberate decisions to effect a change in my life.  I haven’t been unhappy with life by any means, but there were things that I wanted for myself that I wasn’t seeing.  You always hear that every single person has 24 hours a day.  I started looking around at what other people were able to accomplish (some with more kids than I have!) and I started thinking….me not having the things I want lies solely on my shoulders.  The only person keeping me from exercising is me, and the only person keeping me from being able to read a book I want to read is me!  So I simply made the decision.  I cut down on the “relax in front of TV time” and decided to “relax in the bed with a good book”.

Another decision I made was to pursue a more natural lifestyle.  Eat as organic as possible (cut out processed sugars, sweeteners (including Splenda), spend more time outside than in, find more natural ways to cure ailments my family encounters.  I have kept no secrets that I firmly believe that God is our healer.  I also feel like we have to be responsible with the bodies we’ve been given.  I prefer to treat our bodies (to the extent possible) with natural products. 

 That being said, I decided to dive in head first with Essential Oils.  If you’ve never heard of EO, they are 100% organic oils that you can apply topically, put in a diffuser and inhale, and put in your food/drinks and consume.  The plants that these oils are distilled from are grown on soil that has never been chemically treated.  The extent that Young Living goes to to ensure that their products are 100% organic is pretty incredible and makes it easy to trust them with the health of my family.  You will probably see me plug EO many times in the future.  I just can’t say enough good things about their products.

I hope that your year is off to a great start friends.  I trust that your expectation for this year is through the roof and that you receive all that you desire in the months to come.

Talk to you soon!

Simplifying Life

Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Steven Furtick of Elevation Church was speaking on Psalm 90:12 during his Times and Seasons series and he said a couple of statements about this passage that struck a chord with me.  He was trying to clarify what David meant by saying “teach us to number our days.” He said “Teach us how to correctly number our days”; “Teach us how to count what counts, so that we can make the most of the time we have”; “Teach me how to know what moments matter”; and “Teach me how to keep what matters most first and foremost, so I can make the most of the time I have.”

Near the end of the year last year I found myself very overwhelmed with life.  I felt unhappy and really just truthfully felt hopeless.  There are certain things about my life that I wanted so bad to change (nothing immoral – and it’s none of your business J).  I really lacked any type of vision for my life whatsoever.  During 21 days of prayer and fasting that was just my main prayer “God give me vision for my life, vision for my family’s lives, vision for our future.”  I firmly believe that having vision constantly before you is what keeps your motivation to succeed up.  Constantly being reminded of why you do things, and everything you do serving a purpose keeps you engaged in life.  I realized that I was doing (and still am to a degree) so many things just really for the sake of doing them.  So things piled up and piled up and suddenly I was doing so many things that I was overwhelmed.  I was stressed and unhappy and felt like that was carrying over to my home life.  I was physically and emotionally worn out and just tired, tired, tired when I was home.  I knew that wasn’t fair to my family and really not fair to me.  I was not enjoying my life.

Along the way I’ve been making little tweaks here and there.  Backing off from meetings and appointments where my presence really made no difference whatsoever, cancelling my Facebook account, I stopped venting personal things in my life to people who could not help.  The older I get the more I see how exhausting chatter for the sake of chatter is.  It may not even be audible chatter.  Constantly checking in to Facebook to see that someone liked some random photo that belongs to someone I don’t even know (WHAT SENSE DOES THAT EVEN MAKE???  WHY DO I CARE?? I DON’T!)  So I cut those things out.  I see the value of using social media for “marketing”…totally get it, but I honestly feel like it’s such a dangerous thing for personal use.  It sounds extreme…but the stress that constant chatter causes just isn’t worth it.  This girl’s brain can only take so much.

I also took some time to plan out how to readjust my priorities.  “What are my main priorities?  MY walk with God and my family.”  So I’ve made it a point to keep those my priorities.  I’ve just realized that there are different seasons in life.  Right now my kids are getting older, they are in a place where having my husband and I around is important.  We need to be available to impart things into them while our opinion matters J.  We need to be PRESENT (and not tired) as much as possible.  Our two oldest are school-aged and face things at school that sometimes require us to be there for encouragement, give them direction in how to navigate, etc.  It’s now that we are setting the tone for our relationships with our kids for years to come.  It’s now that we are able to create that safe place where our kids feel comfortable venting when they grow to be teenagers.  It’s taken me realizing that there will be times when I can be available again for things outside of our home, but what matters now is home—creating a safe place for my husband after a long day at work, being there to raise my children and give them (hopefully) a magical childhood. 

It has taken some time to readjust to not having somewhere to be all the time or not thinking about projects all the time.  I can honestly say that I’m a happier person though.  There’s just something comforting about recognizing seasons in life and realizing this particular season is only going to last so long.

New Year!!

Well… after almost a year, I’m back!  2013 was a very hard year for me and it honestly was just hard to put the effort into my blog posts.  I thought about it A LOT – and I missed it.  I have very few followers so I knew it wasn’t really an issue.  I do these posts as a way to get the words out.  I have no main focus…just use it as an outlet to talk.

2013 in hindsight was a great learning experience for me.  The year started off with the passing of my grandfather—which was really hard.  I’ve never had a member of my family that I was around a lot to pass away.  It was so nice though to learn more about him after his death though.  It’s honestly such an honor to have had him as a grandfather.  That’s the only way I know of to put into words how I feel.  He was a man that cared so much for his family – every.single.member.  I still cry when I think of him, but it’s not out of sadness.  I’m just grateful to have had the privilege of knowing him.

In 2013 I grew as a mother.  I have a daughter that is 6 going on 13 and that has provided its own set of challenges this year.  I honestly feel like I am the least qualified person to raise daughters… and somehow I ended up with 2.  If you know me, I am an information hog.  I’m constantly reading blogs and reading other peoples perspectives on life issues.  I’m open-minded and follow blogs of both christian and non-christian mothers.  I’m in a unique situation.  I don’t have any close friends that have kids in the same order I do: boy (8), girl (6) and girl (18 months).  I’ve found myself really needing help navigating situations with my oldest daughter, but no one I’m comfortable talking with would understand.  I can’t just talk with other mothers that have 3 kids because their kids don’t follow in the same order.  Having a middle child that is a daughter is hard.  I constantly find myself thinking about how to approach things where she won’t get her feelings hurt.  My son, he’s a breeze.  Nothing bothers him – really ever.  He cares very much about obeying the rules and getting the approval of his parents.  Even when he’s in trouble, he learns from it and shakes it off.  We have to handle our daughters with more care though.

I grew up in how I handle my relationships in 2013.  I became choosey in who I share information with.  I can really only think of 2 people that I really share details of my life with.  Talking about any issues with people that really don’t understand, and offer generic advice, makes no sense.  Now don’t get me wrong…I have many friends and I value those relationships VERY much.  I’m just talking about being choosey in those I trust with information.  I think it’s important to be that way.  I’m not interested in feedback from someone who has no experience in my situation – because they just don’t know….and that’s okay!  THIS was the hardest challenge for me.

I ended the year on a great note though!  My heart has been so full of expectation for the upcoming year.  I walked through a test the last few months and once I felt the release in my heart I was just immediately full of optimism for the new year!  I truly felt like I shut the door on the last year and was able to shake it off the second the new year began.  It’s honestly THE absolute best.feeling.ever.

At our church we are currently in a time of fasting – 21 days of fasting and prayer.  I have looked so forward to it because I truly believe the Lord wants to give direction for our family this year.  There are things in my heart that I have been mulling over and I’m just so happy to get some clarification and direction.  I truly believe that there are some big things on the horizon for our family this year and it’s exciting!  I’m not the least bit nervous or scared – just excited. J

So here’s to a new year sweet followers!  Believing your 2014 is the best.year.yet.

Much love!

Jen

Winning Battles

I’m not sure exactly where the shift occurred.  I have to assume it was when my hubby and I stepped into a role with more responsibility in our church, but somewhere along the line I obviously crossed a line into “preparation” mode.  I can tell because it seems like I have more and more battles to fight as of late.  Overcoming offense being a major one. 

There is a battle that I am constantly having to fight in my heart.  I tell the Lord in a moment of frustration “Lord, I CHOOSE to forgive this person”, and at least once a month the situation that caused the offense comes back to mind and I find myself upset all over again.  I started getting discouraged last week because I just cannot seem to get past this situation.  In all honesty, it happened YEARS ago, and it wasn’t a big deal, but for some reason it cut me…. deep.  Despite the fact that I have actually verbalized “I forgive this person” the temptation keeps coming back and I find myself falling back into unforgiveness. 

It’s a dangerous place to be and I know that, which is why it has been so frustrating for me.  I have the DEEPEST desire to truly set this person free in my heart.  My anger is not something that is bothering them… it’s bothering me….and it’s keeping me bound.  I had a moment of revelation though in our LIFE group this past Monday and I’m so thankful.  The Lord always comes through right on time and this was no exception.  As I said, last week I started getting really discouraged because I could not get past this, and on Monday I received just what I needed to overcome.  Our lesson was speaking about Unforgiveness and below is the portion that gave me my answer:

Is there anyone you need to forgive?  God will give you the power to release them…Pray for God’s blessing on their lives.  Do like Jesus did in response to those who crucified Him: ask God to forgive them because “they know not what they do.”

(Luke 23:24)

Now I know that this seems so simple.  I know you all know this already.  Truth is, I’ve sat under years of sermons that have brought this same principle to light.  Sometimes though, you just have to be in the heat of battle for revelation to occur.  Things that you wouldn’t read twice any other day suddenly come to light.  Know what I’m saying?  This was that moment for me.  You know it’s God because my flesh does NOT want to pray blessing on someone who has done me wrong, but I’m looking forward to it!  I hope that this helps you in some way as well.

P.S.  I’ve thought long and hard about my vision for this blog.  I’ve tossed around the idea of conforming to every other blog out there.  Pretty pictures, blurbs about my family, etc.  I believe I’m supposed to keep moving forward in the direction I’ve been heading this whole time though.  I want this blog to be a place where I can share revelation I receive and (hopefully) offer encouragement to you.  I’m not saying that the cutesy posts will not occur in the future, but for the most part, this is just a place for me to vent.  I’m not interested in followers…though I love you all.  I’m just doing this more so as a way of putting words to my feelings.  I hope you’ll continue to follow.  Looking forward to the future!

Closure

I’m back!  I made it!  I apologize for the long break.  We’ve had quite a mad last couple of weeks.  I hope that you were able to catch some of the photos I posted from my trip to New York to Instagram.  I took about a hundred but just haven’t had time to upload just yet.

You may remember me talking about my grandfather being sick, which ultimately resulted in him passing away last Thursday.  A major loss for our family.  I left New York that morning knowing that when they removed him from the ventilator he wasn’t expected to make it the rest of the day.  I turned my phone off on the flight to Atlanta, and turned my phone back on to find he passed away en route.  His kids were with him as he passed and I can think of nothing sweeter.

Grief is such a foreign thing to me.  I’ve had a few friends pass away over the years, but none were particularly close to me.  This.. was such a shock to my system.  Immediately though I was just so happy for him.  I wept and wept and at the same time just wanted to burst because he’s in heaven!  What could be better?  He’s restored… not broken, he’s not struggling to breathe, there’s no sickness, there’s no pain.

We’ve spent the last 4 days with family.  We’ve cried together, shared memories, thoughts, hugs, and it’s been good.  I’ve always been one to feel like there has to be conversation.  If conversation starts to lag I babble in an effort to avoid “awkward” silence.  Not this time though.  It was the first time that I just knew that no words were needed.  Company was needed.  Sometimes that’s the most comforting thing.  Just someone to sit in silence with.

Before my grandfather’s health really began to fail, I went to visit him in the hospital.  He was a man of few words.  He wasn’t going to talk just for the sake of talking.  That day it was just he and I.  He was watching the practice rounds for the Daytona 500, and we just sat in silence watching the T.V.  It’s a day I will treasure.  Just being there to keep him company.  The other being the Saturday before our trip to New York.  The last time I saw him alive.  I was able to sit with him for an hour, again not talking, but just being.  I watched the monitors, I prayed here and there, but mostly just tried to soak up that moment.  When I left, I told him I loved him and kissed his head.

When my father contacted me to let me know they would be removing my grandfather’s ventilator, I had peace in my heart.  Though I didn’t know that the previous Saturday was my good-bye to my grandfather, it was enough for me.  I preferred it that way.  Not leaving him in tears….just a see you later.

Today the tears are still just under the surface, but it’s not quite as hard to contain my emotion.  I assume it will gradually get easier and easier.  I don’t feel quite as sad today as I have the last few days.  I’m mostly just thankful.  I’m thankful for the life of my grandfather… for the man he was.  I’m thankful for the memories I have of him.  I’m thankful for the playful hugs he gave me as a child.  I’m thankful that any time I see Doublemint gum I will be reminded of him.  I’m thankful for the legacy he has left behind.  I’m thankful that things are well with him……just thankful.

Quickly

“When the world is falling out from under me
I’ll be found in You
Still standing
When the sky rolls up
And mountains fall on their knees
When time and space are through
I’ll be found in You.”

“Shadowfeet”  -Brook Fraser

Life is crazy for me this week.  My husband and I are preparing to go to New York this weekend, but we’ve had several hurdles to jump before we get there.  School projects, meetings, and spending time with family during a hard time.  My sweet grandfather is in poor health, but we’re confident that his health will be completely restored soon.  I spent the large majority of yesterday at the hospital with my fam.  Honestly could use your prayers.  I’m out of words.

I may not have time to post in the next few days.  If you’re interested, I’ll be documenting our trip to New York via Instagram.  You can locate me as mrswizznatch.     

Fresh Air

I was listening to Terry Gross interview Bradley Cooper in an episode of “Fresh Air” this morning.  Terry was questioning what caused Bradley to want to be an actor.  In response, he described seeing a movie when he was younger that deeply affected him.  In describing that moment he said “I didn’t know anything at that point, I just knew that I wanted to affect people the way I had been affected.”  When I heard this I immediately related that feeling to the way I feel about serving in our church.  The exception would be that I don’t want to be the one to affect people, I want to be a part of creating an atmosphere for people to be affected deeply by the Lord as I have been.  Just being a part of that pivotal moment in someone’s life.  That day that they remember forever as the day things changed.  The day that their lives found meaning, the day that their lives found peace, the day that their lives found healing.

Like many others in our church, my husband and I spend (sometimes) hours thinking about our church, praying for our church, setting lights, working on music, setting up for events, etc.  This can prove to be A LOT of work and very tiring.  The thing about it though is that as tiring as all of the prep work can be, that feeling completely goes away the second someone acknowledges their need for Jesus.  The fact that all of us coming together and performing our respective duties is able to create an atmosphere where people’s hearts are changed makes all of the work worth it.  That’s what keeps us coming back to do that week after week!

I guess all of this is just to give a clear picture to those that have either experienced burn out, or are hesitant to get involved in church in any shape, form, or fashion, the reason behind all of the work.  I feel it’s important to have a “keep your eye on the prize” mindset.  “The prize” being that one (or 50) individuals that will experience Jesus in a real way during the upcoming service.  This is one of the ways I keep my heart in the right place.  You don’t focus on the work, you focus on a changed life.  Period.   

Take Heart

Excerpt from "Take Heart"

Hillsong United
2011 Hillsong Church
Hillsong Music Australia

All our troubles

And all our tears

God our hope

He has overcome

All our failure

And all our fear

God our love

He has overcome

All our heartache

And all our pain

God our healer

He has overcome

All our burdens

And all our shame

God our freedom

He has overcome

All our troubles

And all our tears

God our hope

He has overcome

All our failures

And all our fear

God our love

He has overcome

God our justice

God our grace

God our freedom

He has overcome

God our refuge

God our strength

God is with us

He has overcome

This weekend I went to the hospital to visit my grandfather who is recovering from some health issues.  The last news I heard about him before heading to the hospital was that his condition had worsened.  Not knowing what to expect when I made it the hospital, I put on this song on the drive up.  The words are such a great reminder of who God is and what He has done for us.  It stirs such faith in me.  Here's a link: Hillsong United "Take Heart".  I'll be back with a longer post tomorrow.  I hope that you had a great weekend!!

P.S. This weekend at Relate Church we baptized 12 people and 16 others accepted Jesus as their Savior.  God is moving in the earth!  He is drawing hearts!  We are on an incredible journey as His body in the earth.  I couldn't be more psyched for the future!!

Fashion Week

In honor of New York Fashion Week, which by the way begins today, I thought I would show you a few of the trends for Spring 2013.  It's going to be an early spring according to the groundhog, so now's the time to prepare!  Luckily, spring trends are more than likely things you already have in your closet. 

Stripes: Vertical, Horizontal, wide, skinny, etc.  Any stripes.

Image via Elle

Image via She Finds

Floral print: I’ll be honest, I hate floral print anything.  I actually have a tunic that is floral, and I’m still not keen on it, but I wear it.  Is that weird?

Image via Olivia Palermo

Glam:  I can think of a few friends that will start implementing this into their wardrobe TO-DAY. 

Christian Dior via Style

Diane von Furstenberg via Style 

Monochromatic prints: I love the color combinations in the the first two pics, though I'm not sure what happened with that last number.

Derek Lam via Pattern Bank

White: white pants, white shirts, white dresses, white skirts.  One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish.

Image via The Written Runway

Image via Style Blazer

One shoulder:  It's baaack! Love love love!! 

Isabel Marant (left) Christian Dior (middle) and Lanvin (right)

Image via Harpers Bazaar

Make-Up:

Light/matte lips 

Hair:

Messy braids (my fave)

Hair at Balmain via Allure

Natural waves

Hair at Versace via Allure

Ultralow Ponytail

Hair at Rocha via Allure

Can I also just urge you to google Saint Laurent's Spring 2013 Ready-to-Wear collection?  I'm obsessed!

What about you?  Are you going to try something new this season?

Just me...

If I could tell you what I consider to be the most important things about myself it would be these:

I’m a lover of Jesus first and foremost.  I’ve had so many instances in my life where He has come through for me, that there is no way you can convince me He isn’t real.  We’ve had miracles in our health, our families, our finances, etc., and it was clear that those things didn’t take place “by chance”.

I’m married to my best friend.  Chris and I went to high school together and I can remember talking to him a grand total of one time in the four years we were in school together.  The first time we talked (AOL Messenger anyone?) though, I was completely smitten.  Every time we’re together, it’s just comfortable.  Even surrounded by screaming kids, we’re able to look at each other and find humor in those moments.  We’ve been together long enough that we think the same and I find comfort in that.

I’m not a perfect mom.  I love my kids more than words can say.  I wake up every morning determined to be a better mom today than I was yesterday.  I examine myself every day and try to determine what I can do better today.  I want my kids to always feel accepted and loved at home.  I want them to know that we serve a God that loves them more than I do.  I want them to trust Him fully.  I want them to be smart enough to avoid all of the crud they will be offered in the coming years.  I want them to grow up feeling that I did my absolute best to give them a happy childhood, that I provided a safe place at home and provided an ear to vent to when they’re teenagers, and that they were prepared to face the world when they become adults.  That they will know how to follow God’s leading and make smart decisions – not quick decisions.  I feel that those are the best things I can provide to them.

I don’t sweat the small stuff.  There are those that have to make their beds every day, there are those that have to have a clean house every day, there are those that have to have every single detail in place …. and that’s just not me.  Rarely will you see my bed made, unless I just changed the sheets.  Rarely will you see my house completely clean.  Our living spaces are pretty clean, but our rooms are another story.  I fly by the seat of my pants more than I should, but life is just simpler that way.  It helps me enjoy my days when I’m not stressed.  When it comes down to it, sure I didn’t get my bed made, but I did get to work early enough to allow me to scoop my kids up from school.  My kids having the security of knowing that their mom will be there to get them from school means more to me than any old bed.

I’m not so much a creative thinker as I am a creative doer.  I’m not an originator of creative ideas, but I love to get my hands dirty bringing others creative ideas to life. 

I LOVE to travel.  Being in new places, meeting new people, trying new foods.  Exploring the globe with my family is my idea of bliss.

 

I’d love to hear the things you find most important in the comments below!

A New Year and A New Beginning

Last month I participated in a 21-day fast at our church.  My husband and I chose to do The Daniel Fast.  My husband, the man of iron will, decided to fast breakfast and lunch and only eat dinner.  I on the other hand, decided to fast caffeine, sweets, social media and tried to stick as close to the requirements of The Daniel Fast as I could reasonably attain.  This year it was MUCH easier to do The Daniel Fast when I allowed myself some leeway.  I didn't stress over our meals as much as I did last year, and in turn was able to clearly focus on praying and seeking The Lord as I should.

Cut to today, 9 days post fast, and I have received more little promptings in my life today than I did during the entire time of fasting.  Nothing major, but little tweaks I can make here and there.  One of those things being this blog.  I have had this blog for a couple of years now and have posted maybe 15 times. :) Typical me.  I've kept the blog around though because it is something I enjoy doing.  I believe that desire is there for a reason, and today more than ever, I have really felt led to press into my blogging.  It's all new to me though.  I can't promise that I will post every day or even every week, but I can promise that you will see more thoughts from me.

Another change I have felt led to make is to cut down on my use of social media.  I was without social media for 21 days and it was SO good.  It's not something I enjoy.  I care about all of you, truly, but I don't care what you're doing every second of the day.  I just don't.  I check Facebook merely out of habit, and it's time better spent elsewhere.  So, from now on, if you need to reach me -- call me, text me, e-mail me, tweet me (yes, I will continue to keep up with Twitter).

I've thought a lot about all of the things I would like to change about myself.  Work out more, devote more time to reading and doing things that are beneficial, tweak the way I eat, etc.  This is something that every woman does.  We are constantly analyzing ourselves, trying to figure ways to be our best me.  Recently I had the thought "At what point am I going to stop griping about the things I dislike about myself and just change?"  And to date, I'm happy to report that I've done so.  I convinced my husband to join our local gym.  I've told myself for years that I can just work out at home, but truth is, I have 3 kids.  Someone always wants something.  I never get more than 10 minutes to myself without someone needing me in some way.  Which don't get me wrong... I LOVE, but it just is not the ideal environment for exercise.  So in order to feel happier in my skin, I will have to get away for that 45 minute period.  I'm not a work-out addict, I'm allowing myself some grace as I begin this lifestyle change.  I have not gone to the gym everyday, I have eaten sweets more than I would like to admit, but I see the err in my ways and jump back on the boat.  No condemnation, no frustration.  Boom!

Chris and I have decided that we want 2013 to be the best year of our lives.  I can truly say this year is starting out right on course.  I'm more comfortable with myself than I ever have been.  I've spent years trying to alter who I am to be what I think people will find more acceptable, but it's exhausting -- and I'm over it.  I have some extremely talented friends, those with a sparkling creative ability, and in the past I've felt like I was lacking because I wasn't as driven in the same things they were.  Truth is, I have just had to focus on finding my identity in Christ.  Who has God created me to be, what strengths has He placed inside of me, in what ways can I use those strengths?  So, we're back to the blog.  My hope for this blog is that it will be a source of encouragement for you.  My posts won't always be this wordy.  I will share those things that interest me here and there (recipes, parenting tips, fashion faves, etc.), but I just want to have a space to share myself with others.  I hope that you will feel comfortable commenting on posts with your own thoughts.

So, that's me.  What about you??  Hope to hear from you in the comments below! 

Whoa Boy!

So I fell off the planet for a while there.  I seriously have to apologize for that.  This little lady is now 6  months prego!!! (do what?!)  That's my official announcement... that's all you get. :)

Jello???

Hi friends!

I owe you a sincere apology for my lack of contact.  It has been insanely busy around here.  Birthdays, out of town conferences, sis-in-law's wedding, school starting, working 40 hours a week, yadda yadda yadda.  Things will remain busy through the end of the year, but I'm going to do my best to keep my posts current.  Here are a few things I'm LOVING at the moment:

DIY Farmhouse table

Image via For Rent

Fleet Foxes!  I'm actually always all about these guys, but especially following a trip to see them perform in Birmingham.  Amazing... TRULY amazing.

Speaking of Fleet Foxes, I took a picture of one of the background images at their show.  I plan on painting this image on canvas to hang behind our couch.  LOVE!

Fall, my favorite time of year, is FINALLY here.  I'm over on Pinterest trying to snag some ideas for decorating the house, events, etc.

I'm loving this image.  I don't have white walls, but I just love how clean it all feels. 

Image via Centsational Girl

I wish you all a happy Monday and a truly awesome week!

Birthday!!

That's right readers!  Tomorrow's my birthday! Before I sign off for the weekend though, I just wanted to pass on something I hope you'll do in my honor.  Give....... in some way give back.  If I could choose exactly how I would be remembered it would be as one who always gave to others.  As someone who always went out of her way to make sure others were taken care of.  As someone who used all of her available resources to make sure others had what they needed.  Below I'm leaving you with a few options of ways to give back.  Every little bit helps!

CharityWater- "charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations." (You can donate to my charity water campaign by clicking here)

TOMS- "With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.  One for One"

The A21 Campaign- "Abolishing injustice in the 21st century"

I hope that you'll consider donating.  Those that can't go out and physically bring about change, can fund others who are, and take part in their reward.  Think about it....do it....

Here's a little treat for you as I sign off!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Bobbie Burgers

Happy Tuesday readers!  Today I want to show you the G-OR-GEOUS home found via Escapade.  If you know me, you know that I'm somewhat yellow obsessed.  So much so, that my kitchen is actually a rather bright shade of yellow.  It's no wonder that the home of Bobbie Burgers immediately caught my eye.

I love the use of color in this home.  Not just yellow, but pretty much every color can be found.  I love that there is no real scheme here.  White background with pops of color all tied in with the gorgeous paintings by Bobbie in each room.  I'm really the anti-floral kind of gal, but these just do it for me.

And this kitchen is absolutely dreamy!  I love EVERYTHING about it.  The white background, the yellow oven door, the artwork, and the use of wood.  It all feels very balanced.

And lastly the patio.  Simple...relaxing.  This is my kind of place.

London

Another fast fact about me.... I would move to London in a millisecond. There are times where I just sit and daydream about living there. I just love how old the city is, I love the history, I love the fact that the buildings have been there for literally hundreds of years.  I love the people despite their "supposed" grumpiness (and despite the fact that I've never met them).  I love that every band I could ever possibly want to see is REQUIRED to come to London.  Not really... but they do... because they think as I do.. "How could we not go to London?"  I'm just fascinated.

You know the scene at the beginning of Notting Hill where Hugh Grant is walking out of his flat to his book shop? He has to walk through the marketplace to get there.  I want that!  At some point in my life I want to go on an outing with my kids, walk the brick streets, stop at the market and pick up some fresh flowers for the dinner party I'm hosting that evening.   I'm well aware that I will have to cash in my retirement in order to afford a flat in Notting Hill, but it sounds good in my dreams.  It's well worth the money I say!

I think part of it is just that so much has happened in London over the past oh...500 years.  I feel as if there are still remnants of the major events in the air (minus The Plague).  That if I could just get over there, I would be completely engulfed in it.  Does that make me crazy?  It does.... I know it does.  I'm okay with it though.  We all have our secret hopes and dreams right?  This is mine.

For now, I'll continue to focus on saving up the airfare to travel to London for our 10 year anniversary. I've got three years to go....which is a good thing because it will take that long to save up airfare.  Wish me luck!