Year at a glance

It's been so long since I've posted that I feel a little out of practice. I haven't lost my love for writing, but I have lacked the time and motivation to keep at it. Hence the 2 year hiatus. The end of a year always has me feeling reflective so I thought I'd come back to put my thoughts on paper. And was 2020 a year or what?

The beginning of 2020 was a difficult one as my mom was in the midst of chemo treatments for cancer. The emotional aspect of cancer, regardless of being the patient or a family member, is one that isn't readily mentioned. We were so grateful for the support of family, friends and our church family as well. 

As she finished up treatments, we entered the Covid pandemic and lockdown for 3 months. There were both challenges and blessings to being home all the time. We had a lot of family time with our children and made a lot of memories. At the same time, we missed people. So many face to face interactions that you take for granted until you are without them. 

With the extra home time, I became creative in using up food from our freezer and pantry. I did some spring house cleaning (which still needs finished, haha!) We played more games and also did more campfires in the backyard. We rejoiced in the birth of another niece and we also supported friends who had to make many adaptions to their wedding day.

The summer brought a sense of normalcy with a few more outings and warm weather. We were so thankful for the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful sights of summer. 

Beautiful Watkins Glen State Park, N.Y.- an anniversary weekend getaway

The end of summer brought another cancer diagnosis of a dear friend, which was so disheartening. It's so hard to understand God's ways sometimes, but I continue to trust that God will use her journey for His glory. As I was processing all of this, I learned of the sudden death of a former friend and coworker. I had seen her over the summer and had a brief final conversation with her. 

The fall brought the beginning of preschool for our daughter and that has been a joy in the midst of a chaotic year. How exciting to see children learning and enjoying the process with classmates and a wonderful teacher. Thanksgiving and Christmas were full of reasons to rejoice and choose thankfulness for our many blessings.

This year has been full of tears and heartache as I've journeyed with friends and family through very difficult circumstances and situations. I'm so thankful to serve a God who is sovereign in all seasons. Early in the year I came across this quote-

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As we look ahead to a new year, may we continue to cling onto Jesus and look to Him to lead us through the unknown. He will never fail us.

2018 Reading List

I'm not sure I've ever created a yearly book list, but I thought this is the year to try it! Here's what I am hoping to read-

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Christian Living-
-Daring to Hope by Katie Davis Majors
-The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy by Timothy Keller
-Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller
-Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples by Francis Chan
-Present over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist *

Parenting-
-Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
-Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson*
-There's an Easier Way:21 Ways to Lovingly Raise Your Children Without Regrets by Bonni Greiner and Kathy McClure
-Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned That Saying No Can Lead to Life's Biggest Yes by Kristen Welch

Miscellaneous-
-Having a Martha Home the Mary Way: 31 Days to a Clean House and a Satisfied Soul by Sarah Mae
-Longing for Paris: one woman's search for joy, beauty and adventure-right where she is by Sarah Mae*
-Present over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist

Ministry Related-
-Boundaries: When to say Yes, How to say No to take control of your life by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
-Formational Children's Ministry: Shaping children using story, ritual and relationship by Ivy Beckwith
-Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst

If you enjoy reading, I'd love to hear some book recommendations. What are you reading this year?

Living with Intention

With a new year comes another opportunity for growth and learning. About a month ago, I felt God laying a word on my heart to focus on in the year ahead.

Intention. Defined several ways- determination to act in a certain way: resolve. What one intends to do or bring about. The thing that you plan to do or achieve: an aim or purpose.

Photo Credit: my brother, Justin Brenneman

As I've reflected on this the past few days, I've focused on 3 areas in which I feel led to be intentional this year.

#1- Living with intention. This sounds so cliché, but I want to live in gratefulness for each new day that I am given. Being filled with joy for what God has done for me and allow that joy to spill out to those around me. Taking time to play with my daughter or converse with my neighbor because they matter.

#2- Loving with intention. I have sensed that I need to grow in the area of loving those I don't know well including strangers. It is far too easy to cast judgements based on outward appearances, but that's not what God requires of me. He requires me to "do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8b, ESV) As I walk humbly with my God, I should have a desire to love those around me.

#3- Serving with intention. What does this look like for me this year? To be honest, I'm not entirely sure yet. Getting to know our neighbors better and those in our community. Meeting the needs of the hurting, whether it be through a listening ear, a word of encouragement or through a meal.There are many possibilities to serve and be a blessing.

Photo Credit: Justin Brenneman

Of course, I also desire to be intentional in several other areas such as doing more reading (stay tuned for an upcoming post with my book list for the year) and more frequent exercise (because it won't happen just by talking about it!) I am excited to see how I will grow from all of these intentions in the year ahead.

If you have a word or personal focus for the year ahead, I'd love to hear it. Blessings as you seek to learn and grow in a deeper way.

Life distractions

Something happened the other day that made me frustrated. While out for a walk with my daughter, my phone fell out of the stroller, screen side down. When I picked it up on the pavement, there were cracks all over the screen. I sighed in frustration. Then I realized that what I viewed as an inconvenience was possibly God's way of getting my attention. How little time I've been spending with Him lately and how much of my time I have been giving away to other things.

Distraction- "a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else." 

Corrie Ten Boom once said, "If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy." How true that is. There are so many things in life that cause busyness. Often times they can be good things, but when they consume us or take us away from Jesus, there's a problem. If I'm honest, one of my struggles is social media. It's a great way to connect with friends and family members. But when the temptation to check it frequently throughout the day takes me away from time with my family or Jesus, I need to admit that it has become a distraction and take steps to change my habits.

I posted here about my word of the year and desire to cherish moments and people each day. When life's distractions get in the way of that, I need to do a heart check and assess my motives. My daughter is growing so quickly and these days I'm savoring when her head rests on my shoulder when she's sleepy and when her little fingers explore my face. I also love how she gets silly when she's sleepy, just like me. :) I don't want to miss these moments simply because I'm checking the latest news on Facebook.

Mother's Day

This verse was in my devotional the other morning- "My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare." Psalm 25:15. I thought it was so fitting for this topic. Snares can take many forms and it's always good to be mindful of them in our lives. When we recognize them, we can take action. 

I found this article to be so good and so challenging to me personally. Hope it speaks to your heart as well today. 

A Season to Savor

Word of the year. To some, it may sound like a popular trend, but to me, it has proven to be a worthwhile challenge. As I was reflecting on the year ahead of me in 2017, the word savor came to my mind and I somehow knew it was my word.

Savor: a particular flavor, smell or taste of something; a distinctive quality.

Although savor seems to be mainly associated with food, I'd like to focus on the second half of the definition. This year, I desire to savor people- strengthen relationships and friendships. In 2016, I was especially reminded of the frailty of life when my dear friend's father passed away suddenly at a fairly young age. I want to live in the moment and enjoy those near to my heart. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. Each day is a gift from our Creator and I want to make the most of the days He gives to me.

I also desire to savor moments this year. Even when my dear baby wakes up crying in the middle of the night, I strive to choose joy amidst my grogginess. Joy that I have a healthy daughter who is able to wake me and that I am able to bring comfort to her when she needs it. I know she will grow quickly so I am doing my best to enjoy all of the little moments of snuggling with her when she's napping and also playing with her rather than tackling things on my to-do list. The moments of watching my husband play with his little girl or moments of taking time to talk with a friend so we can both be encouraged. This all takes an intentional effort.

Memories are another thing that I hope to savor in 2017. This week my daughter rolled for the first time. So much excitement as we relish all of these milestones! Watching her grandparents and aunts/uncles enjoy her so much is another joy. Taking pictures helps to keep memories fresh, but I also feel like Mary some days-"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)

I love this picture of storing up memories and moments and hope to do a lot of it this year.

I'm going to close with the following challenge-

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In 2017, may you savor people (relationships and friendships), savor the little and big moments in life, and savor memories deep within your heart.

[If you have chosen a word of the year, I'd love to hear it!]

All about Trust

It's been awhile. I guess that's what happens when you have a baby. {Now 4 months ago!}

Our sweet little Moriah Joy arrived on August 27th, a few days earlier than we were expecting, but that was fine by me!

Moriah- "God is my teacher"

Psalm 32:8- 

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; 

I will counsel you and watch over you." 

Here is one of my favorite shots from her newborn pictures, taken by my talented brother.

I have learned a lot over the past few months, both about mothering and about myself. You realize how selfish you can be when you have a little person who requires so much of your time and energy. There isn't time for little luxuries and quiet moments of solitude, unless of course, you have a good napper. I don't. :)

Mostly God has taught me much about trust. It seems to be one of those things that you continuously learn, no matter what stage of life you are in. When I was induced, I had to trust things would turn out well, even though it wasn't my ideal scenario. When our little lady was slow in gaining weight, I had to trust that God was in control. When I ended up in the hospital again a week after her birth, I had to trust God's purposes in that experience. When the house was dirty and messy and dishes and laundry were piled up, I had to let go of my perfectionism and expectations. (I still do.) Babies don't stay little forever so I've been trying to be intentional about enjoying moments with her when she's awake. The work can wait.

As I reflect on this past year, it has included many life changes. As one who has always struggled with change, I find myself thankful for each one. There is something about change that causes us to look inwardly to identify why we feel what we feel. Perhaps that's why I always feel so reflective this time of the year as I look at areas where I have grown over the past year and areas where I'd like to be stretched in the upcoming year. I'm so grateful that our heavenly Father is with us every step of the way.

How have you grown this past year? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Dream Big

Have you ever faced a season in life in which you are called to create a new normal?

That's where I currently find myself. Last week, I said goodbye to my co-workers at my part-time market job. Although I was only there for one year, I established some good friendships and will miss those whom I grew to love during my time there. They were so kind as to throw me a little baby shower/goodbye party complete with balloons, gifts and yummy food.

Now my days are spent at home prepping for baby's arrival in four short weeks. I can't believe it is almost here already! As I think about what my new normal will entail, there are many thoughts that come to my mind. In my new role as a full-time homemaker (at least for the time being), my calling is to create a haven of joy, love and rest for my little family. Sure sounds like a high-calling, doesn't it? To those of you who do this on a daily basis, I bless you for serving your family in this capacity. It may seem mundane to some, but it's a vital role that God has called you to for such a time as this. Embrace it. Enjoy the little moments. Look forward to what God has in store for your future.

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I look forward to fulfilling this calling in my own life, but will admit that sometimes I wonder if I'll be content doing the 'keeper of the home' thing. Will it present enough of challenges for me? Will I be satisfied? But then as I thought about this, I realized God is also calling me to anticipate this new experience and dream big. "Dream big? I don't even know how to dream little, God." I've never been one to do a lot of dreaming. Yet somehow, the thought of dreaming even a little brings excitement to my heart. How can I use my God-given gifts, skills and strengths to bless others? I'm not sure I have the answers yet, but I'm anticipating what God will reveal to me as I seek His heart for my future. My encouragement to you, regardless of the season of life in which you find yourself, is to dream. Dream big, dream little. Just dream. Seek the Father's heart in how He wants to use you and in doing so, He'll bless you in ways you can only imagine.

Why I need More of Jesus in my Life

The other day, I was reminded again that I need more of Jesus in my life. Nothing is guaranteed from day to day- our health, our loved ones, even our homes. In the midst of sadness or trials, Jesus is our sure foundation. His love never fails and His mercies are new every morning.

Why do I need more of Jesus and less of me?

::He is my anchor. I know He is always there when I need to cry out in prayer, bearing my heart and those who are on it. There is nothing more comforting than knowing we don't have to go through difficult circumstances alone.

:: He provides rest. No matter what stage of life you are in, more than likely it is a busy one. We can become so wrapped up in our agendas and schedules that we forget to sit and be still in His presence. I can speak from experience that when I do so, everything else fades away for a time and somehow becomes less important on my to-do list. I've found that for me personally spending some quiet moments with the Lord first thing in the morning is the best way to set my day in the right direction.

::He is my strong tower. When the winds of life blow uncertain, He provides shelter and a sense of peace through the storms. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

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It is my prayer that my capacity for God would continue to grow and I would desire to run to Him first with every need. Would He be my focus, your focus, each new day!

Lately I've been...

Lately I've been...

-Looking forward to the day when Baby M. makes an appearance. Whether we have a little he or she to love on, this little one has already filled a special place in our hearts. Some days the thought of parenting seems oh, so overwhelming and scary, but other days (like today), I'm just really excited. Of course, most-things-baby are on my mind these days so I've been working on a registry, prepping the nursery and doing that thing they call nesting. Hello, thorough cleaning and organizing. I can only imagine how much worse it will get in the next 3 months! But my house & hubby might thank me. :)

24 weeks, my most recent picture :)

-Loving that springtime is finally here (some days!) That means planting flowers, decorating with bright & springy decor, and sitting out on the front porch again. Oh, and garage sales. I've been out most Saturday mornings recently trying to snag some deals for baby and the house. It's always fun because you never know what you're going to find.

Most recent DIY project- a boxwood wreath. Loved how it turned out!

Porch decor

-Enjoying some good books again. Recent favorites have been Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters! by Rachel Macy Stafford.

You can read more about it here. I was so challenged by this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who desires to live a more intentional, people-focused life. It's written from a mother's perspective, but can certainly be applicable to anyone.

Another fun book has been DIY Succulents: From Placecards to Wreaths, 35+ Ideas for Creative Projects with Succulents by Tawni Daigle.

Succulents have often intrigued me and this book provides some great info on caring for such plants (for someone like me who needs a little help) as well as adorable craft and decor ideas for the home.

What have been some of your favorite spring activities lately?

Trusting for today and tomorrow

I’m realizing these days that one of the most important things I can do right now is to trust. Trust that God in His infinite wisdom is sovereign. Trust that His plans are greater than my own. Trust that His timetable is always perfect. He knows what He is doing, even when doubt creeps into my heart. It’s not my desire to doubt my Father in all of His goodness, yet sometimes it just happens. In those moments, it is so important to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5.) Instead, I can proclaim aloud God’s promises in His word, both to encourage me and to cause the enemy to flee.

I have Psalms 37:3-7a highlighted in my Bible along with a heading I added- ‘What to do while I’m waiting’: “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…” 

We all go through many, many waiting periods in our lives. They vary from person to person, although sometimes they share similar characteristics. It’s my hope that I can always learn something valuable through the lessons that Jesus teaches me, whether big or small.

 Photo credit to my talented brother, Justin

Also, Isaiah 30:15a- “This is what the sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength’…”

Rather than dwelling on the what-if’s, I desire to focus on the what-is and Who is. My Jesus holds me in the palm of His hand. He sees my today and He sees my tomorrow. And that, my dears, is enough.

A Thankful Heart

The Thanksgiving season has come and gone already. It's one of my favorite times of the year! Sure, I enjoy Christmas also, but there's just something special about reflecting and giving thanks for our many blessings from above.

Here are just a few of my thankful highlights from November:

 We held a ladies seminar at our church recently. 

It was a great event filled with rich teaching, good fellowship, and...

wonderful food.

We hosted about 90 ladies from various backgrounds 

and denominations, which was exciting.

 We enjoyed the wedding of good friends last weekend. 

Yay for dressing up and celebrating marriage! :)

 It was special to host my hubby's family for Thanksgiving.

I had fun decorating- simple, but festive.

And for the record, brown craft paper is a genius way to serve multiple purposes:

-mess-free tablecloth, 

-names for place settings can be written directly on it,

-& it fits the season!

Cheese and cracker appetizer which was gone in no time!

Today's reasons to be thankful: decorating for Christmas, catching up with dear friends, and fun games/snacks! What are you thankful for today?

Home: A Place & Culture of Rest

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

Psalm 62:5-8

Since stumbling across these verses again the other day, I’ve been meditating on them often, asking myself where I’m dwelling. Am I dwelling in the rest and assurance that is found in my Jesus alone? He is my rock and my fortress. Time spent with him enables me to face the storms of life. How important it is to pour out my heart to him on a consistent basis, baring my soul before the One who made me.

I am incredibly thankful to have been given the opportunity to change my work status to part-time. It has been very right for me and our sometimes hectic schedule. My dear husband was very supportive in my decision (read more here) and has been my encouragement all along. He has admitted to me that he has noticed a real sense of rest when he enters our home at the end of his workday. My simply being home more often has aided in setting a culture of rest here that we did not have before. If I’m honest, the transition time was more difficult than I expected it to be. Yet the Lord brings changes into our lives and sometimes asks us to surrender our agenda through those changing seasons.

As I mentioned earlier, consistent time with my Father is so vital in setting the tone of my day and ultimately, the tone of our household. The joy of the Lord is a very real thing and joy is found in spending time with Jesus. Another challenge is this-

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There are days when I’m at home cleaning and doing laundry and I find myself wishing I was doing something of more importance. Those things just feel mundane after awhile. But then I remind myself that joy is a choice. When I choose joy, my spirit is lifted and I have a reason to sing.

May His unending joy be your strength and your song today!

Home Sweet (First) Home

They say home is where the heart is. I’d have to agree completely. We enjoyed our first home, a rental, for one year before purchasing our current home. I’ve been meaning to share a few snapshots of our “log cottage in the woods.”

Through the seasons:

  Fall

Winter

Spring

Summer

Room by room (minus a few):

I loved our spacious entryway room with my piano.

We also loved our little breakfast bar. It was perfect for a quick morning bite-to-eat!

Our comfy living room

I loved the cheery yellow walls through most of the house, including our bedroom.

This gorgeous mantle is probably what I miss the most. Although we didn’t use the fireplace, I thoroughly enjoyed decorating the mantle with the seasons.

All in all, we have many treasured memories of our first house. God blessed us abundantly. Now we are excited to create new ones in our new home! What's your favorite feature or memory of your home?

Winds of Change

The summer is coming to a close; each evening is getting shorter and with it comes cooler temperatures. A gentle breeze blows and reminds me of the upcoming need to switch out my wardrobe for fall fashions, as well as enjoying hot drinks and fall-like activities. It also reminds me of the current season of life that I find myself in at the moment. The winds of change are blowing and to be completely honest, I’m not sure how that makes me feel.

After teaching for five years, I felt God calling me to say goodbye and move onto the next thing that He has in store for me. While difficult, it brought a great sense of peace in following His leading. As the new school year begins, it reminds me of the past. What I did and who I was as a teacher. But as the Father has repeatedly reminded me, it’s not healthy to continually dwell in the past. He calls us to live in the present and embrace the now, while looking ahead with eagerness to the future. So that is what I’m striving to do.

Instead of speaking into the lives of students, now I am privileged to be an encourager to many others in my life- friends, family members, fellow believers, and even strangers. He is showing me to look for opportunities every day to be a blessing, filling others with joy and how creative I can be in that- a conversation with a retail clerk, making a friendly phone call, mailing a postcard, baking a plate of cookies for a neighbor, etc.  We recently moved so I’m eager to meet and greet those in our community and begin to build relationships and friendships.

People need to take priority over items on a to-do list. Although I have many boxes left to unpack and rooms to organize, it’s good to take time to be still and allow the Holy Spirit to direct my days. The house will be neat and tidy someday. Maybe J

Just a few favorite snapshots from our summer:

 I'm going to miss these gorgous blooms. 

Our former house had many beautiful flowers.

We are so excited to have bought our first house. 

Plus we celebrated our 1st anniversary the day after we moved. :)

 One of the highlights of our summer was a trip to Maine with dear friends.

This was a spectacular sunset at the top of Cadillac Mountain.

Our cottage was next to a lake. Such fun kayaking there.

Lots of pretty views and hiking trails. 

What have been your summer highlights thus far?

Upside Down Umbrellas

There are seasons of life in which I feel spiritually dry. And then there are those seasons in which the rains // aka life lessons pour down in abundance upon me. Now is one of those rainy seasons. Instead of using an umbrella to shield myself, I almost feel that I should turn it upside down to collect the droplets in order to savor each one and learn from each lesson.

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When I did flip my umbrella upside down, I had to grab a pen and paper to jot down each heart and thought provoking question. Here are some of the things that the Lord revealed to me:

• -In whom do I place my trust, my security, my faith?
• In myself or in my Father?
• If I don't trust Him, feel secure in Him or have faith in Him, what is the root cause?
• Insert cause here: ________________.
• What are the idols in my life?
• How do I remove them and place Christ on His rightful throne once again?

One of the most powerful sermons on idols that I've ever heard is the following one by Timothy Keller titled, "Counterfeit Gods." I highly encourage you to take the time to listen to this video or purchase his book by the same title. It will transform your thinking of what vies for your time, love and attention.

Blessings to you, my friends, as you search your own hearts and extend your own umbrellas.

Embracing Change

How does one embrace a new season of change? This seems to be the ever present question in my heart at the moment. My life seems to be full of change, with the biggest being the fact that I recently said goodbye to my co-teachers and students after five years. Words aren’t enough to thank people who have greatly impacted your life. “Thank you” just didn’t seem to suffice. But I hope each one knows how valued and appreciated they are to me. My sweet students were the most difficult to hug goodbye. After five years with one, a few less with the others, your heart grows quite attached. 

Now my heart is asking the question of, “Who am I?” For so many years, one of my titles was that of Teacher. Although I know it’s not true, I feel as if that specific title has been taken away from me. My dear husband has been trying to convince me otherwise. I do influence many others, just in a different realm from the classroom that I’m accustomed to. In this new season of life, I’m beginning to recognize how greatly my job influenced my view of myself. Did my view of myself as Teacher rank higher than that of Daughter of the King? He should be my all, my everything. All else falls under that.

I found this very fitting and encouraging excerpt from a post written by Ann Voskamp. May it inspire you today as well.

"Don’t grieve that it’s gone, wonder that it was.

Laugh that you lived and dance that you dared.

Inhale that it happened — and it was grace…

The best way to prepare for what’s ahead  — is to be present to what is now.

Be present to the gift of now.

And right then —

it lights, the sheer sheen of His grace falling on everything."

Are you a burden bearer?

Burdens. We all bear them. Sometimes I think this tends to be more of a struggle for women, myself included. It is a lesson that I continue to learn, ever learning and growing. Perhaps it may be helpful for us to ask ourselves these questions:

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-What causes me to bear burdens? I believe it tends to come from a heart of compassion, mercy and deep love for others. We bear because we care. And we care deeply. It is one of my biggest questions sometimes. “God, why have you given me such a great capacity to love?” While it has its tremendous blessings, it also causes much pain during times of difficulty.

-In what atmosphere or sphere of influence do I most often bear burdens? In other words, the setting(s) or areas in your life in which you see this pattern occur the most. For me, it occurs in areas of ministry and close family/friend relationships. Those who touch my heart the deepest weigh upon it the heaviest. And that is not their fault; it’s just the way God has designed me to care for them.

-During what seasons of life, circumstances or stresses, do I tend to take on burdens? The when moments. Do you see a pattern take place? Perhaps when you are weary and worn after a period of being on the go and not having enough of “you” time. This is my weakness for sure. Maybe it occurs when you’ve said “yes” one too many times and you've stretched yourself much too thin. Is it when your joy has been diminished and needs refilling by the One and Only? Be honest with yourself.

-How do I bear burdens for those in my life? Do you keep them to yourself, share with your closest confidant, or first bring them to your Father God? Do you allow the burden to rule you or your day or do you entrust that person/situation to the One who can bring redemption and deliverance?

Know that when you've searched your own heart and motives, you may be better equipped to fulfill the calling to adequately bear burdens for those precious to you. Galations 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 

Am I me or am I you?

The Father has a way of revealing our weaknesses when we least expect it. He did the same for me recently.

It's no surprise that women are comparers and do it in all areas of life. One of the reasons being the approval of other women. Another in the sense that it brings self-fulfillment and a sense of identity. Whether it be via our sense of fashion and dress, how we decorate our homes, or the foods that we cook. I can be a comparer in all of these, but last weekend, I was reminded of the latter.
I had to make a dessert for an event and was stressing way too much over a simple decision. My thought was what if someone doesn't like it? My people-pleasing tendencies were coming out! As important as it is to satisfy the needs and/or desires of others, it should not come at the expense of our time, energy, or sense of identity. You may be wondering what dessert has to do with identity. However, if we are performing out of a sense of obligation or seeking to imitate the persona of someone that we idolize, we are not living out our God-given identity as a unique daughter of our Heavenly Father. Am I living true to who God made me to be? I'd encourage you to take a few moments to search your own heart and perhaps write down what the Father reveals to you in this area.

I couldn't help but look to the Word for some insight into this area and the verse that jumped out to me was John 12:43. It says, "for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." The they in this verse is referring to the Pharisees. They were well known for living according the law, at any expense. I had to ask myself if I am no different than they. Is the praise of others more valuable to me than words of affirmation from my Father that I am enough in His eyes? That simple and delicious is just as fine as extravagant and delectable. That thrifty and cute clothing just as fine as expensive and brand new. That cozy and simplistic decor in my home is just as fine as perfect and magazine worthy. 

Somehow looking at things in this sense brings a sigh of relief and the realization that I am enough. My cooking style, my clothing, my home decor. It is all enough. I am loved as I am by my husband, friends and family, and most importantly, by my Abba Father. And it is His approval that truly matters.

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

Two months ago yesterday, I married my best friend. It has been a tremendous blessing and joy to share life with him.

Here are a few of my favorite snapshots from our special day:

My wonderful bridesmaids

My Family

His Family

Our fun, crazy bridal party

Us with the cutest little people

Cake time!

Settling into married life has been wonderful, although it has had its moments of transition. One of the lessons to learn has been prioritizing time for the things that truly matter in life. I feel like it is a huge lesson that the Father has been teaching me lately. I'd like to share more on that soon and look forward to sharing more posts in the future (now that wedding planning is behind me!) :)