renew.

Image

Screen shot 2013-05-05 at 9.48.29 PM

There is a significant difference in my days depending where or who I am drawing my strength from. It’s pretty much like night and day. Why do I even try to go without yielding my day, my thoughts, actions, attitudes, words and decisions to Him. Well the answer to that question is simple: laziness. Yep, there it is. I think I can do it on my own and frankly it’s just a lot of effort to do it any other way than mine sometimes, so I don’t. So. Not. Pretty.

When I do choose to not be lazy and choose Him over me it’s not a guarantee that my day will go perfect. There are still moments of worry, discouragement, fear, anxiety, loss of patience, pride and just plain messiness.

BUT…

There is less mess I believe and when there is the messy I must say rebound a lot quicker. I see the ugly and quickly turn the other way.

So here I am again reminding myself and you to set our eyes on Him. He doesn’t make things perfect but He is perfect. He renews us. He gives us hope when we can’t do that on our own. He keeps us going when our own strength is no more. He lifts us up when we are more than down.

Don’t be lazy. I don’t know about you, but I needed to hear that today.

 

 

 

The Ultimate Deal!

Screen shot 2013-05-01 at 9.31.27 AM

Here it is! The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle! This the deal of the century here people! I got mine and I’ve been downloading great ebooks left and right. There are ebooks that covering all kinds of topics. I’m sure you will find something in here you love. It’s such a great deal I just had to pass it along! And bonus if you buy one some of the proceeds go to HelloMornings which you know I am a HUGE fan of and have the privilege of being a part of. Read this post for more info!

Side note registration for Summer Session of HelloMornings is open now and begins on May 6. That’s Monday! Go here if you want to sign up for the summer session. I would love to have you join me!

Cray. Cray.

 

I’ve been a little quiet over here lately. Partly, I needed a rest from it all, just feeling I needed a time out (yes, moms can give themselves time outs) . Party, because life is a little crazy right now or as the pic so awesomely states above it’s cray cray. We have some changes going on here and I feel the need and responsibility to be most available to my family at this time. We are all good, no worries. More on the changes at another time. But until life slows down a bit this blog will be a little chill. I’ll be popping in and out, here and there and hopefully sooner than later I will be back in action on a regular basis.

Until then…clear eyes, full hearts.

Name what show that comes from and you get 2 points and a virtual high five from me.

 

To Walk or Stay.

To Walk or Stay Cover

 

What are some qualities I like in a friend? Well, let me tell you: someone who is honest, vulnerable, real and has a little spunk. You know someone has a little pep in their step

I found these qualities in my friend Lara. For awhile she was just my online friend but even through twitter and her blog these qualities shined through. I knew if we ever had the chance to meet in real life we would hit if off. Lucky for me we did have the blessing of meeting one another this past Fall at a conference. We did hit it off! Those qualities came shining through even more.

Why am I telling you this, you may be wondering? Well my friend Lara wrote a book! Yep, a real, live book! I told you, she’s the real deal. And let me tell you, it’s good. The kind of good that makes you want to soak in every word and implant it into your brain and heart forever.

“He changed me. He transformed my mind. He transformed my life.” Lara Williams

Lara shares an intimate slice of her life with us and explains how God used it for His glory in transforming her life and marriage. Like Lara, this book is honest, real, vulnerable and packed full of Truth. Truth that will sock you in the stomach and take your breath away, but it’s just so good.

“He may call us to die to self, but it’s only because God’s blessings so far outweigh our self-agenda.” Lara Williams

I highly recommend this book to anyone. Married or single. Divorced, happily married or struggling to see your way through your marriage, this book is for you. It’s not just a marriage book but a book about facing any difficult situation and focusing on how God can use it to transform YOU. It’s a message of hope and a reminder that above all else God is still God…no matter what.

“True beauty arises from a quiet spirit that finds rest in the character and promises of God.” Lara Williams

 

You can get a copy of To Walk or Stay, by Lara Williams on AmazonChristianbook, and Barnes & Noble. It’s available in kindle or in paperback.

Check out this short video and hear Lara herself!

Screen shot 2013-03-20 at 4.50.08 PM

Click on the link: To Walk or Stay Promo Video from Lara Williams on Vimeo.

happy valentines day.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day friends! Hoping your day is full of the little things that mean the most like hugs from little arms, handmade cards with scribbles and misspelled words, slobbery and maybe snotty kisses, a smile from a friend, a tight hug from those you love, a simple note that says you are loved and appreciated. It’s the little things that matter the most. Enjoy your day and know that you are infinitely loved by the One who knows you best.

Lessons from a seven year old.

End of the game didn't go so well. Broken wrist. Such a tough guy.

We had a first this weekend. A trip to the ER with Mason. Honestly, I can’t believe we made it seven years! He’s quite the hustler on the basketball court and this time going up to block a shot resulted in a broken wrist. Ugh. It was one of those moments as mom you just know by the cry that this time it’s something more. My usual “It’s ok, get up! You’re ok!” was not going to cut it this time.

As we drove to ER and I sat in the backseat helping him hold his wrist and trying to console him he managed to share some profound words between his cries of pain.

He said, “Mom, God knew this was going to happen today. So it must be ok.”

Hello, childlike faith.

I know this. I do. In my heart of hearts I believe in God’s sovereignty, in His perfect timing, in His infinite wisdom.
But there are times when the plan gets a little unclear, when the time of waiting for answers is stretched way beyond what I think I can endure, when I am pushed to the edge a little more closely than I prefer.

And the doubt creeps in ever slowly.

But why? He has proven Himself time and time again. He is never surprised or caught off guard like we may feel at times. He remains in control. We just have to let Him be and follow.

And believe like Mason so clearly said this weekend.
“He knows, so it must be ok.”

So how about you? Are you believing in Him that it will be ok?

 

Take Heart.

 

There are certain times in your life that you just know beyond the shadow of a doubt that God’s hand was in that situation. When you felt like you were drowning, barely keeping your head above water, you can confidently say “Yes! I know He was right there with me”. You look back and see the different pieces of the puzzle that were once scattered all over but now fit perfectly together in something very beautiful.

 

take heart I am sharing my story on my friend Darcy’s blog~Message in a Mason Jar as a part of her Take Heart series. Darcy is an amazing writer who I am always encouraged by with her heartfelt posts. On Tuesdays during the series, she’ll invite you to link up with your own Take Heart story based on the theme of the week (1- Growing a Family, 2- Romance, 3- Kinship/Community, and 4- Self-Care/Wholeness). On Thursdays, along with the story shared, we’ll offer fun and thoughtful giveaways that will encourage you to take heart in your own struggles. Go check it out and read the rest of my story!

For your Monday.

We all need a little encouragement, especially on Mondays.

From me to you…Let your light shine today!

Click on this link to listen to a new favorite of mine by Addison Road. Hope you like too!
This Little Light of Mine.

 

Don’t forget to check in tomorrow. I’ll be sharing a “God sized” dream that has been rolling around in my heart and head! Oh boy!