Hi, friends!! It’s been a loooooong time! Over the last several months, our family has been through quite a journey. It’s required forced change for our family and it hasn’t been easy. I’ve always said… More
Happy Monday
Good morning my friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Ours was jam packed and honestly, I’m still recovering from it!
Joseph and Jojo spent the weekend in Hilton Head with family and friends. They attended the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament. They had a blast and I am so happy that they were able to experience this. Joseph said Jojo was in heaven!
The girls and I had a full weekend, too. Mackenzie had four soccer games and Mary had a birthday party and spent the night with a friend.
Needless to say, I need a weekend from my weekend, ha!
I shared this picture on Instagram this weekend.
I would normally be mortified to post this picture because of all of the laundry on the bed and the floor. But this is real life, y’all. The bed doesn’t always get made and laundry backs up more than I’d like it to, but I’m learning to be ok with that.
For someone who is OCD and needs their house to always be put together, this is a hard thing to accept. But the realization that time is fleeting and that I have EIGHT more years before this one graduates high school, is teaching me what is truly important in life.
Jojo has FOUR years and Mary has FIVE before they’re off to college and y’all the thought of this is truly overwhelming. It’s making me rethink so much.
Mommas, the days are long but the years are definitely short. I used to hear people say this and I didn’t believe it, but now I do. Time is precious and we have to live each day to the fullest. We need to invest in our kids, spend time with them. Teach them the facts of life and pour into them. They need it desperately right now.
There is so much pulling for their attention and if we are not careful, we are going to lose them to those things.
So instead of coming home to catch up on laundry and clean up, I took Mackenzie out to dinner and afterwards she asked to go to Kroger to pick up some ice cream.
We came home, put on a movie, sat on the couch and ate our ice cream. And the laundry is still there today. That’ll be what I’m working on today.
One day when I’m sitting in my clean and organized house with no laundry to do because all of my kids are gone, I will be thankful that I chose them over the laundry.
Love is truly spelled T-I-M-E.
I hope y’all have a great day!
XO
Friday Favorites {4.16.20}
Happy FRIDAY!!! Oh my goodness, we’ve had a busy week. And our weekend is just as crazy with four soccer games. We are almost at the end of the season and I am so excited to finally have a short break. Summer can not get here fast enough!
I’m linking up, as I do every Friday, with Erika and Andrea for our Friday Favorites. I didn’t take many pics this week as it was so busy. But here are a couple of my faves for the week!
Grab your coffee and let’s do this!
Oh my goodness! I’ve got to share the last two books that I read. They are so so good. Both of them are psychological thrillers and are probably two of my favorites that I’ve read so far.
The first one is The Perfect Marriage. Y’all! I could not put this book down. Especially towards the end! It’s about a very successful defense attorney and her husband. He finds himself accused of murder. He’s on trial and she chooses to be his attorney. There are so many details, but I don’t want to spoil a single one.
The next one is The Silent Patient. I devoured this one. It is about an artist who is accused of murdering her husband. She is a painter and when police come to the scene of the murder, they find her with a painting, slashed wrists and mute. After going to trial, they send her to a psychiatric ward.
A psychotherapist is very intrigued withher story and applies for a job to hopefully become her therapist. He gets the job and starts his journey to get her to speak. No one knows what really happened on the night her husband was killed except for her. It’s so good, y’all!!
On Tuesday, we went out to dinner to celebrate one of my very best friend’s birthday. We tried a new place called, Chucks Fish in Athens. Y’all! It was so delicious!! If you are a sushi fan, I am not, but it if you are you should really check them out! For those of us that don’t love sushi, they have a lot of other options. I ate the special with was a blackened mahi-mahi and it was delish!
I bought my friend the prettiest necklace. I loved it so much, I bought myself one too! Do you ever do that when shopping for a birthday gift?! No? Just me? Ok. Ha!
I bought it at our local boutique, Polished Chic. They have the cutest things. I also bought this dress that is now a fave!
I love that I can wear it with sneakers!
I am back to running again this month! Last month, I walked five miles about 5-6 days each week. It was wonderful. But this month, I’m adding in more runs.
I’m going through this mini mid-life crisis, I think. I’m reflecting on so much and re-prioritizing some things in my life. I’m coming to terms with so much and realizing how to be a happier and healthier version of me. I know this sounds vague, but I promise I will share more soon!
This watch band is probably my favorite one I’ve ever bought! It’s from Amazon. I love that it’s clear and it’s protective of my screen!
I was in Mary’s room to make her bed and noticed some sticky notes over her nightstand. I got closer to read them and they were bible verses and affirmations. It made my momma heart so happy!!
We got to spend a little one on one time with her and Jojo yesterday. We ate lunch and just talked to them about their goals for the future. It was a sweet time. They are growing up so fast and I just want to make sure that I enjoy every minute!
Last, but not least! As you guys know, I am a Real Estate Agent. I have always done more of the behind the schemes, operational, marketing stuff. But this year, I am trying to force myself out there and take on a couple of clients. I am really loving it, but it’s definitely out of my comfort zone.
Every week, I’m going to try and share one Real Estate related favorite.
This week, our new listing takes the prize! Its a beautiful 50 acre farm in Watkinsville. The pictures do not do it justice! You can click here, to view the listing.
If you are looking to buy and/or sell, I would really love to help you! Our team is pretty amazing. We strive to make your home buying process as smooth as possible!
And that’s it for the week! I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!
XO
P.S. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting my blog!
Throwback Thursday {4.9.20}: Pray First
Morning, friends!! Today’s Throwback Thursday is one that I needed to go back and read today. It’s all about Praying instead of worrying. I am a worrier for sure, but over the last year God has taught me to turn my worries into prayers. He’s in control of every situation in my life and I just trust that His ways are the best ways.
I hope this short devotional encourages and challenges you today!
Pray First
Mark Batterson says that the way to praying without ceasing is to turn everything into a prayer. From the big problems in our lives to our hopes and dreams. But also in the mundane and in the simple things. As we bring everything to Him in prayer it becomes a way of life and our life becomes a continuous prayer.
He says that there’s good news to being a worrier by nature because in the Bible, Paul tells us to not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. When a worry enters your mind, take it to God in prayer. When you start to feel anxious, take it to Him in prayer.
We can pray for our children as we fold their laundry and we can pray with them as we tuck them in at night. We can pray as we walk or run our neighborhood. As we go by each house, pray for the people who live in that house. We can pray in the car on our way to work or to run errands. We can pray anywhere!
This is what God wants. He wants to have a constant connection with us. He wants us to turn to prayer and choose to take everything to Him first. What would happen if as soon as we wake up, the first thing we did was pray instead of pick up our phones? This really convicted me. I am so quick to turn my alarm off and then my fingers naturally go to social media. What would happen if we prayed instead?
Mark Batterson shares in Draw the circle that,
“The reason most people don’t feel intimacy with God, is that they don’t have a daily prayer rhythm. They may have a weekly rhythm of going to church, which is wonderful, but doing so in and of itself won’t produce intimacy with God. Can you imagine talking with your spouse or child once a week? God wants a day-by-day, hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute relationship with you.”
Today let’s focus on praying first. In everything, let’s pray and take it to Him first.
Have a great Thursday!
XO
Let’s Look:Inside our Fridge & Pantry!
Morning, friends!!! Goodness, we came home from Spring Break and hit the ground running. So much going on this week that I’m just taking it an hour at a time. It’s been a bit overwhelming, but I try not to think about what’s ahead too much and just focus on the present and the task at hand. Do you ever have weeks like that? So much to do that you can only take it a day at a time?
We will get there, friends! The weekend is upon us and although it is equally as busy for us, I’m looking forward to it.
I didn’t blog yesterday…. honestly I was struggling a bit getting back into the swing of things. It always takes me a bit to adjust after a week off.
Today is the Let’s Look! Every month, I link up with Erika and Shay to “look” at a certain aspect of our lives.
In January, we looked at our coffee bar areas.
In February, we looked at our love languages.
In March, we looked at our perfect night in.
I’m not going to lie, this month’s topic isn’t my favorite. Currently, I’m on the struggle bus with this aspect of my life, but here we go.
My fridge… nothing glamorous at all. I thought about making it all pretty and tidy for y’all, but nope…I’m just keeping it real.
Nothing special at all! We always make sure that we are stocked up on eggs, yogurt, fruits and veggies. Jojo loves the Core Power protein shakes by Fairlife so I make sure I have plenty for him. And of course lunchables and fruit cups for lunch!
And then the freezer…. I don’t typically freeze my meat. I buy it fresh and cook it within a couple of days. If, for some reason, we don’t use it then I freeze it. But two staples in my freezer are frozen pancakes and a Dijourno, ha! The kiddos love the pancakes for a quick breakfast and the pizza is an easy dinner when we are super busy!
And then there’s my pantry. So quick story. I have an organization system. Nothing complicated as I have learned with kids to not over complicate being organized. But, there’s a method to the madness that is the pantry. A couple of weeks ago, Mackenzie decided to “help” me clean the pantry and she moved everything around!! EVERYTHING!!! I had to bite my tongue and say thank you because the girl spent an hour cleaning and organizing. So nothing is in its place at the moment and I don’t have the time to put it back the way it was.
But you know, it’s like when your kiddo makes their bed and it’s not exactly the way you like it. You don’t go behind them and “fix” it. You tell them good job because that was their best work. So for now, we will keep it the way it is until I have some time to organize it back the way it was. We added the counters back in December and I love them! I haven’t had the time to really organize all of the drawers and cabinets. It’s a summer project! Do you have certain projects that you put off until summer? Or is that just me?
And that massive crate does not stay there normally. Poor Georgia was spayed this week so we needed a big crate for her since she has the cone of shame….
Bless her…
So anyways! Nothing to exciting here today, folks! I hope y’all are having an amazing day!! I have so much that I want to share with you, but I’m trying to organize it all in my brain. I will get it together, I promise!
If you are a blogger and want to join us next month, here’s the schedule of topics.
Have a great Wednesday!
XO
Happy Monday: Spring Break Recap 2021
Goooood morning, friends!!! It’s so nice to be back after a week off. I hope you all had a wonderful week.
We had a wonderful Spring Break in HHI with Joseph’s mom and step dad.
When we arrived on Thursday, it was cold! But by Sunday, the weather was beautiful. We watched online service that morning and then had brunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Poseidon. And then we took a couple of “Easter” pics of course.
I am still in shock everyday at how quickly our kiddos are growing up.
I didn’t buy “Easter” outfits this year because I knew that we would be out of town and watching online service in our pjs. But I did buy this dress from Amazon and I love it! I’m also loving my sandals. I wore them all week!
The weather only got warmer as the week went on. That meant a lot more beach time than we normally get on Spring Break. And this girl couldn’t be happier about it! She is our beach bum!
This kiddo spent more time on the golf course with his buddy than he did on the beach. So I had to take a picture of this rare sighting, ha! He did have his best rounds of golf this past week. He was so excited! He’s been working super hard!
Mary’s friend joined us for the week and they both had a great time. Lots of bike riding, general store shopping and sun bathing for these two.
Nonny and Papa joined us late Monday night and stayed with us all week. It was so nice to have that time with them. Aside from the beach, the kiddos loved fishing in the small lake that’s on the back of the property.
And they also took the paddle boat out for a spin!
Oh! I almost forgot. Mackenzie got to play her first round of 18 with Joseph and Jojo! She had a blast! She was exhausted, but loved it.
She has been waiting for this moment for a long time!
We didn’t eat out too much. The island was hopping and the restaurants had such long waits. I was able to get reservations for one of our nights there.
And then afterwards, we took some pics at Shelter Cove Park.
I took these two to lunch and TJ Maxx earlier that day and they bought matching outfits. Aren’t they so beautiful?!
We ended the night with a round of putt putt and then went home to watch a movie.
Friday, we went to Harbour Town to eat lunch at the Crazy Crab. Nonny took this picture of Papa and Jojo. I love how they are walking the same.
And then we went home to clean and pack.
It was such a good week! So thankful for the amazing weather and family time. It was so needed for all of us!
Towards the end of the week, I went on a solo run and was just overwhelmed at my view of the ocean.
It reminded me of how BIG my God is and how SMALL I am and that He is God and I am not.
He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. Psalms 146:6
So thankful for God’s unfailingly love. Even when things happen that my mind can’t comprehend, I can trust His ways.
I hope you all had an amazing week!! And I hope you have a GREAT Monday!
XO
Friday Favorites {4.2.21}
Happy Friday, friends!!! I hope you had an awesome week! My kids are officially on Spring Break and I’m so excited to spend the week with them.
As of today, Joseph and I are going to do our best to truly be “on vacation” and really focus on our family. I’ll be on Instagram here and there, but as far as the blog, I’m going to pause it until Monday, April 12th while I hang with my crew.
But before I go, I’m linking up with Erika and Andrea for Friday Favorites! Let’s do this!
We finally got to hold the newest member of our crew!! Y’all, Luka is the sweetest baby!
I always love sharing products with you that I love. I especially love finding affordable options and these two are currently some of my faves.
This setting spray is awesome! I spray it once I’m done applying my make-up and it sets it for the day. And this mascara is the bomb! I recommend using a lash primer first!
Last Friday I shared these leggings and told you how much I love them!
Well, I bought them in a different color and y’all! I love them, too! These were only $26!
Seriously, if you are looking for an affordable alternative for leggings I recommend you try these.
I’ve been eyeing these sandals for spring/summer. When I saw that they were on sale, I decided to finally click add to cart!
I LOVE them!
And last, but definitely not least….
Today is Good Friday and I couldn’t go without mentioning it. It’s the day that we remember the sacrifice that Jesus paid for us. My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life.
He is the reason I can get through the good and the bad days. If you’ve never placed your trust in Him or if you have any questions, I would love to talk with you. Send me an email to: myeterno@gmail.con or a direct message on Instagram.
If you are looking for a Good Friday Service, we will be watching online, here. And if you need an Easter service to watch online, here’s a link.
I pray that this Easter weekend will be like no other. I pray that you will be able to feel the love that Jesus showed for us the day He took our place on the cross. I pray that if you are in the middle of a crazy season, that you will choose to trust in Him.
I hope you have an amazing day and week!! Happy Spring Break, friends! I’ll see you back here on April 12th!
XO
Throwback Thursday {4.20.20}
Good morning! Today’s Throwback Thursday is from last April. I pray it encourages you today.
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God Can Restore Our Brokenness
On Easter Sunday, Elevation Church sang a song called Rattle. Since then, I’ve been thinking a lot about the story of the dry bones in Ezekiel. This morning I went to the passage in Ezekiel 37:1-14.
God takes Ezekiel down to the middle of a valley where it was full of bones. Very dry bones. God then tells Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones and when Ezekiel does as the Lord says, the bones begin to rattle and come together. Not only do the bones come together, tendons and skin begin to appear. Then God tells Ezekiel to prophesy again in verse 9 which says,
“Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”
So Ezekiel did as God said, and breath came into them and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army (vs.10)!!
Could you imagine??? Stop and think for a minute. Dry bones, turned into flesh and came to life! And not only that, God used a mortal to do it. Ezekiel obeyed and did as God said and watched this unfold right in front of him.
God told Ezekiel that this army, these bones, represented the people of Israel. They were dry, feeling cut off from God and without hope. He promised that He would bring them back to the land of Israel and that He would put His Spirit within them so that they could live.
I began to think about how all of this happened in the middle of the valley. Many of us find ourselves in a valley right now. We are going through struggles, hardships and tough circumstances. We are trying our best to hold on to our faith, but each week as life gets harder we can feel our faith weaken. We are like those dry bones. We feel cut off from God, dry and parched and have began to lose our hope.
In verse 4, God tells Ezekiel to prophesy over those bones by telling them, “O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” And I believe that God wants us to do the same. He wants us to Hear the word of the Lord and to declare it over our lives. God wants you to live. If you are a follower of Christ, His Holy Spirit is within you and He says live. 1 Peter 2:16 says that the will of God is for us to live as people who are free. He’s brought you back to life and has placed His spirit within you. You can be free of whatever is holding you down. You can live and be filled with hope. And that hope is Jesus.
Just as God took those bones and put them back together and gave them life, He can do the same with you and your situation. He can restore and redeem the broken areas in your life. I love the saying, “there’s nothing too far gone for God.” I’ve lived far from God and I’ve experienced His embrace and love when I came back to Him. He will not turn His back on you, He will love you and accept you just as you are.
Whatever is broken in your life right now whether it’s your finances, relationships, or your heart- God can restore it. He is faithful and He will do it. Hear His Word today and declare life over your situation.
Dear Lord, help us live a life fully surrendered to you. Help us continue to trust that you are working in our lives even when we don’t feel you or see you. Lord, help us live the way you’ve called us to live. Help us walk in the freedom that you’ve given us. Thank you Jesus for coming to save us so that we could live a life to the fullest in you. I pray that you will restore the areas in our life that are broken. Lord I believe that you can pick up the pieces and create something even more beautiful than what was there before.
XO
What’s Up Wednesday {3.31.21}
Hi, friends! On the last Wednesday of the month, I link up with Shay and Sheaffer for a fun link up. As Shay says, “It’s a little food, a little family, a little what we’re wearing, a little what we’re doing, a little what we’re watching and a little bit of everything else all in one post.”
It’s also the last day of the month! What?! I love this time of year. The beginning of spring, the end of the school year, summer! I can’t wait!
But back to What’s Up Wednesday! Are you ready? Grab your coffee and let’s do this.
1. WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
I have nothing fun to share here. Our lives have been so crazy this month and sadly, we’ve eaten out more than we like to do.
So what have we eaten? Chick-fil-A! Lol!
2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
I’ve actually thought a lot about this time last year. I know there was so much uncertainty and anxiety around the world, but there was so much peace in our home.
We truly handed it over to God and He was so faithful. I miss our days at home with nothing on the calendar. We took walks everyday, we had movie night every single night and ate dinner together every evening.
Last Easter, we sat in our pajamas on the couch and watched the service online. And every night leading up to Easter we talked about what Jesus was doing that day. We watched Passion of the Christ on Good Friday and completely experienced a Holy Week in a whole different way.
It is true what the Bible says that what the enemy means for evil, God turns it for our good. Goodness comes from our adversity.
I am so thankful for 2020. It brought my little family closer. Today, we still have movie nights and my kids would rather spend time with us than be out and about with friends. We do more as a family and I have 2020 to thank for that.
3. WHAT I’M LOVING:
Joseph and I have been working together for a couple of years. But I’ve always handled the operations and marketing for our business. Lately, I’ve been getting myself out there and actually showing properties to clients. We’ve also tag teamed a lot lately and helped our clients together. It’s been really fun!
I’m excited to continue to venture more into the agent side of real estate. I do have the best trainer teaching me his ways so I’m a lucky gal!
If you’re local, I would love to help you! Send me a message and let’s connect!
4. WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
Oh man…these kids are running us ragged, ha!
Jojo is finishing up middle school golf and playing for a league. So we are busy every day with him.
Mackenzie is deep into the soccer season. Practices and games every week and weekend!
And she also started golf! So we have that once a week.
And our bear, well she’s had a lot more time on her hands. Her sport doesn’t start until late summer so she’s enjoying her time off!
She’s staying active by walking our dog, Georgia and yesterday she decided to go for a run after her walk! It made my runner heart so happy!
5. WHAT I’M DREADING:
Laundry. Need I say more? Ha! Laundry has been the thorn in my side for weeks. Ugh.
6. WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
I’m working on a couple of real estate projects and just trying to keep my head above water with chores at home. This season is so crazy for us and I’m just trying to stay positive.
I’m also working on a couple of fun blogging things! It’s still in the early process, so I’ll share more soon.
7. WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
SPRING BREAK!! Woohoo! Anyone else?!
8. WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
I started watching Ginny and Georgia and it’s so good! I’m so slow when it comes to watching series so I’ll get to the end eventually. But I am loving it so far! Have you watched it?
During quarantine, I joined a book club in my neighborhood. I read the most I’ve ever read during that time because hello, there was nothing else to do lol!
I’ve missed the last couple of meetings because kids sports and also, I haven’t been able to read the book of the month. It’s been so frustrating because I love reading.
I’ve been walking everyday and thought that I would give Audible a chance. And y’all, I love it! I “read” the book in under 48 hours! And it was a good one!
If you love a thriller, this one is good! I’m excited about finally making it to book club next month and actually reading the book.
9. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
Oh y’all! This song right here has been on repeat since Sunday!
Soooo good!!
10. WHAT I’M WEARING:
Well… let’s see. Lots of leggings and T-shirts lately. I have not gotten dressed like I normally do. I think because we’ve been so busy!
But speaking of leggings, these right here are amazing! If you are looking for a less expensive option then these are it. They have that buttery soft feeling and totally remind me of the lululemon align leggings.
I have them in black and just ordered these! I love the blue color.
I am also wearing these denim shorts from Target on repeat. And this sweater! I have it in two colors.
I also splurged on these beauties!
They will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe this spring and summer. And they are on sale!
11. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
We are headed to our favorite place, HHI!!
12. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
We are headed to HHI so definitely looking forward to some family time. It’s been much needed. I’m just praying that the weather forecast stay the way it looks right now. I’m also looking forward to the end of April, ha! It means that May is almost here and that means the end of the school year and start of summer!
13. WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
Nothing else, really! I’ve covered it all!
I hope you all have an amazing day!! Thank you for reading!
XO
Children Are Great Imitators
Last week I was reminded that sometimes my actions speak louder than words.
I try my best to wake up early every day and spent some time in God’s Word. In the mornings when Mackenzie wakes up, I am normally sitting in my keeping room reading my Bible.
The other night she made the comment that she wanted to start doing her quiet time before school and asked if I could wake her up at 5:30 am.
I told her that was too early and that she needed her sleep.
At 5:45 am the next day, I heard footsteps and there she was. She sat with me and read her devotional book and filled it out. I helped her find verses in the Bible that she had to read. It was a special morning.
When I picked her up from school that afternoon, she mentioned that a girl was mean to her that day. But she also told me that she chose to be nice to her because in her devotional she read that we should love and pray for our enemies.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” Matthew 5:44
She had no idea that I needed to hear this message that day.
I’ve never really forced my kids to have a quiet time. I will read a devotional to them in the mornings here and there, but nothing consistently. Mackenzie is my child who loves to read her devotional book and is very disciplined about it.
But the fact that she does it just based on what she sees in me, reminds me that our children are watching. Our actions speak louder than our words sometimes and this was a perfect example of that.
I was also challenged to do better about encouraging them out loud to have a daily quiet time and to go back to reading a daily devotional with them each day.
I know how much better my day goes after I spend time in God’s Word and I want them to experience the same.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
If you don’t have a daily quiet time, I encourage and challenge you to start. Just five minutes a day, sit and talk to Jesus and read His Word. You can read a chapter in Proverbs a day or read a Psalm a day. Fill your soul, heart and mind with His truth. As you begin to practice this, it will spill over into your family.
As you love the Lord with all your heart soul and mind, you will see that you will use every opportunity to share it with your kids. Use learning opportunities to share God’s truths with them. Remind them of who they are in Christ and encourage them by using God’s Word.
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:5-9
We don’t have to be perfect. We just have to be consistent. Children are great imitators so let’s give them something great to imitate!
Have a great day, friends!
XO
Be You, Do You! You Are Loved!
Good morning, friends! Happy Monday!! Anyone else counting down the days before Spring Break? I can’t believe how fast this school year has gone. Once Spring Break is over, I feel like the countdown to summer begins. And we LOVE summer around here.
This morning I wanted to share a little bit of my heart. I shared this quote on my Instagram stories last week and so many of you commented on it.
It’s so easy to get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing and how seemingly perfect their life seems to be.
I actually just did that today as I read a blog post from another blogger. She always seems to have it all together and she’s incredibly organized. I allowed my mind to go there. You know where there is…the pit of “I wish I could be her.”
I began to wish that I was more organized, more efficient with my time, a better mom, a better cook… you get the picture. I began to wish for better and more.
Thankfully my husband quickly bounced me back by reminding me that nothing is as perfect as it seems.
And not to say her life isn’t great! She just has strengths that are different than mine. And that’s ok!
We are all different. God did not make us the same. And thank goodness He didn’t because how boring would that be?
But even though He didn’t make us the same, guess what? He does love us the same!
He loved us all enough to send His only son to take our place and die for our sins.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
And this love, we don’t have to work for it. We don’t have to earn it. We don’t have to do one thing. God loves us just because. And He offers us a gift. A gift that we don’t have to work for. And that gift is eternal life. All He asks of us is to choose Him. And when we do, He promises us a life with Him for eternity.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
I know that it’s easy to compare our life to those that we see on social media. It’s easy to go down that road of saying our lives aren’t as good as so and so. But I’m here to tell you that your life is exactly what God has designed it to be. And when we look at someone’s life and wish for what they have, it keeps us from seeing all of the blessings that God is pouring into our life.
There’s a difference in being encouraged by someone’s life and being envious of someone’s life. And being encouraged is where I want to be.
I heard something a while ago that I’ve tried to put into practice when I feel comparison begin to steal my joy. It’s super easy to do and I want to encourage you to do the same.
It’s quite simple actually, when you feel yourself begin to get jealous or envious choose to compliment that person instead. Choose to be a cheerleader. It forces your brain to turn those negative thoughts into positive ones and it completely changes your mindset.
Instead of ignoring their post or stories, choose to comment and cheer them on instead. It may feel forced at first, but it will become second nature. I promise, I’ve done this and it’s changed my life so much. I suffered for years with discontent. And I refuse to allow myself to go down that hole again.
Sure, I still have my moments like I had today but I’m able to bounce back a lot quicker. I’m able to say, “gosh, she’s such an amazing mom and wife but so am I. Our lives just look different.” I’m able to believe that God may have given us different strengths and talents, but his love for both of us is the same.
And it also allows me to ask her for advice in the areas that she’s good at. I’ve learned so much from this particular blogger. Her posts about organization and time management have helped me tremendously.
And that wouldn’t have happened, had I let comparison get in the way.
Comparison not only steals joy. It has the power to steal friendships and families.
It’s ok to want to better our life just don’t convince yourself that your life right now isn’t great. Work towards goals while enjoying your journey.
So today I want to challenge you to be a cheerleader. When that post pops up in your feed that makes your skin crawl with envy and jealousy comment something positive. Compliment that person. Just do it once and see how it makes you feel. I can promise you that instead of dwelling on how much better their life is for the rest of the day…you will actually think about it only for a second and then it will be gone.
We have to be content. We have to work on our families and our lives. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. It’s greener where you water it.
Stop trying to be her. Be you. Work on you. Do you. Water your family and choose to look for the good every single day.
I can promise you that her kids are throwing tantrums, too. She has bad days, too. She needs encouragement, too. Nobody is perfect.
I know that this post is all over the place, but I really hope that I was able to truly get my point across this morning.
If anything, I just want you to know that you are loved by the King. Joseph shared a song with me yesterday that’s on repeat right now. And one of the phrases that stuck with Joseph was this, “I’ll never be more loved than I am right now.”
Friend, He loves you. He loves you so very much. He created you and designed you for a purpose. Don’t devalue your purpose by trying to be someone else. Be who God made you to be. And if you feel like you aren’t there yet, then join the club. This life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. We are all working towards our purpose. A purpose we will not achieve until we are in glory with Him!
Fight the fight. Fight YOUR fight.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
I love y’all!! Click here to listen to the song Joseph shared with me. Make sure you listen to the lyrics. They are powerful!
XO