Yes. It's been a few days. More than I wanted to give, but I made an executive decision. My son and I had both come down with a cold and we had a little mini vacation planned. Once we got to our destination I had plans to take all kinds of photos to share and discuss, but I just had this feeling inside me that said to put my phone down, put my work away and just enjoy my guys. It grated on me in every kind of way because I really wanted to keep to this commitment, but the laughter and joy and fun we had together was worth every day I missed not being on social media and blogging about life. My health and my family will always trump anything else. Because without them, nothing else matters.

I have to say that today I am most thankful for my momma. She is the best kind of mom. She is always there for me. Back in October I hurt my knee and it hurt to walk on it. I called her up in the middle of the week.  With no hesitation she packed her bags and came up to stay with us for a few days to help me out with my little guy, the animals and the house. When we went on vacation this last weekend, she packed her bags again and came up to stay with our animals and watch our house. 

I'm not always grateful for my mom, but I should be. She is one of the few people that encouraged and made it possible for me to get out of my box. She sent me to Florida to visit friends when I was young and also gave me a trip to visit friends in New Orleans when I graduated from high school. When I moved to Saint Louis to attend school she would send me care packages and always told me how proud she was of me.

She's a good mom. I'm gonna keep her.

Before I launch in to what I loved about today's devotional time, I want to share a story. I have been wrestling with taking something off of my plate. I love everything that I do, but right now I feel the pressure of trying to maintain balance. I don't want anything I do to become a "job" or something I "have to do". BUT, on the flip side I also fear failure. I hate saying I can't or couldn't do something. I hate the appearance that I am quitting.

I have had so many people (yes! friends and family members) take delight in calling me a failure, telling me I lack follow through, I can't finish anything. These same people have told me I need to just give up and get a real job or just "settle being a mom". What does that last one even mean? My brain doesn't grasp why being a stay at home mom means that the only thing I can do is cook, clean and take care of my family all day. 

So I fear, that if I clear this item off my plate I will be a failure and people I love will not hesitate to tell me when they are feeling up to it. Can you relate to this?

I messaged a few people last night as I was pondering over this. One of them was my brother, one was a trusted friend and the other was my husband. I talked about my fears. I talked about how I was afraid and that I didn't want to regret my decision.

Friends! I don't know how this happened, but let's talk about God's timing. I could have never of planned this out if I tried with today's devotionals. Let me share with you.

Cheryl Hale in Girl Be Brave talked about potential and what we were created to do. She discussed what we need to do in order to reach that full potential. Here are some of my takeaways:

• Every person is born with the potential to excel and propel humanity in a positive direction. The key is learning to let go of the negativity of your past and dedicate yourself to your future. (You see that second sentence? This is how I started my devotional time. God said, "wake up girl... I've got something for you")
• You were created to manifest the extraordinary. (two of my favorite words are in this sentence. "manifest" and "extraordinary")

It doesn't stop there. Then I opened up Embraced by Lysa TerKeurst. Lysa was talking about paralyzing fear and gave the perfect illustration (because I can totally relate) to an embarrassing time when she tried to do the monkey bars, but was afraid. Then when all the kids got tired of waiting they went around her. To make it worse, a teacher saw her dilemma and came over to "help" her by lifting her down.

Isn't this so true. We want to try something new. We feel like God has given us something and we are so excited to try so we step one foot out, but then we stop paralyzed with fear. We fail. Someone says something they think is helpful, but it really isn't. Then we sit with our hands folded. Too embarrassed to try again. Too afraid. Devastated by the words of someone who thinks they are helpful. Defeated by our own minds.

Lysa had some amazing takeaways:

• Being told that failure must be avoided at all costs will keep you from trying again. (paraphrased)
• Fear strangles the momentum that propelled us to step out and try something new in the first place. (paraphrased)
• Fear makes the gap between where I am and trusting God seem an impossible chasm.

God really does answer prayers. When I was reading my devotional last night I wrote out a prayer. Part of it was "help me be ok with letting this go". It is the answer I need. Am I 100% fine with this decision. Not yet, but I'm going to trust and have faith that God has something bigger in store for me.

I'll make this short and sweet friends. I haven't done a workout in a few days. Being sick has left me exhausted and tired and coughing. Just walking up and down the steps leaves me in a coughing fit, so I'm working on a healthy me before I get back to working on a healthier me. 

Be blessed!

​Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase.

I wrestled with how to make up for missing a day, but ultimately came to just smashing both days in to one extraordinarily long blog that will have you going blind from reading. I'm joking. I think. Maybe. Let's see where this day takes us.

So, as a recap, I was starting to feel sick Monday night before I went to bed. My throat was sore and felt swollen. When I woke up Tuesday, I felt terrible still. About midday I was feeling better, but was still tired. My husband and I commented on our sons runny nose before Dan left for work. Sure enough by the time it was bedtime, the little guy was pretty stuffy. I started on my devotional stuff, but had to stop and restart several times with running up to help my guy out. I did eventually get my reading, journaling and prayer time completed, but let me tell you, my mama heart felt terrible that my little man was suffering so. It wasn't like he was making it easy on me either. I kept trying to get him to drink fluids, but he'd just push them away and cry. I'd try to cuddle with him and he'd just push me away and cry. I'd try to wipe his nose and he'd just push me away and cry. Getting the drift of how my night was going? I know I can be strong-minded, but man that flair for dramatics when he doesn't feel well is 100% his dad.

I had to make the call to not blog last night because I had to spend a good portion comforting my son and helping him. When I did finally get him to go to sleep without waking up I was pretty worn out myself. So I went to bed. Though I want to stay on top of my challenge to myself, I also will never regret putting work aside for my family and for my own health.

Today, was kind of a lazy day. We did do some grocery shopping, which was sorely needed. Both my son and I were able to get in a nap and now he is in bed and I'm hoping to be there soon myself.

Day #12 had me talking about friends that I am thankful for. I've never been a person to put emphasis on the age of my friends, but I know that is important to some people. When I was in school, one of my very first best friends was several years older than me and after she left for college I then became friends with another best friend who was nine years older than myself. It wasn't that I couldn't be friends with people my age or younger. I guess I just didn't understand that society has unspoken rules about maintaining friendships within your age group. I'm slow though. About a lot of things. And keeping up with societies ever changing rules is one of the things I am always especially slow about.

I say all of that to say this. Some of my tribe right now are considerably younger than myself. They are my tribe and community during this phase of my life because we all have kids (boys) around the same ages. I have to say I am continually grateful for these friends. They listen to me. They encourage me. They inspire me. Best of all, we are all the regular type moms. We make mistakes. We get frustrated. We fail. We all think we could do better and that is what I like about them. We are equal.

Day #13 (that's today) is all about being thankful for an experience. I love conferences. I love ladies conferences. I love inspirational meetings and messages. I love to sit and listen and learn and be inspired. The last two years I have attended the retreat the Executive Director of my team puts together with a friend of hers. It is at these retreats that I have been so inspired that I am able to pinpoint on what I want to focus on for the next year. In 2018, I found the word "freedom" for 2019. This year I was able to pinpoint the word I want to focus on for 2019. At these retreats, I am able to relax, rest, learn and most importantly I am able to network. I can force myself to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people or get to know people a little more. I'm so very thankful for these times.

Have I yet emphasized enough how much I love this devotional by Lysa TerKeurst? Reading the devotionals every day in Embraced is like reading something I have written (or need to write) to myself. Yesterday, Lysa talked about not doing something God has prodded you to do. Not because you are outright rebellious or ignoring Him, but because we allow ourselves to be too busy to do what He has prompted us to do. 

How many times has this happened with me? In fact, I'll even make excuses to cover up for it. Was that really God prompting me? Or was that just my own flesh looking to somehow get some praise for doing something? 

Then today, she talks about how we all just ordinary people, living ordinary lives, but have the potential to do something extraordinary if we allow God to work through us. My favorite line from today's reading was "God's hand is never limited by what we have in ours". 

Friends, we may see ourselves as small and insignificant. We are just moms. We are just wives. We are just friends. We are just ordinary ladies. BUT if we are willing to let God work through us and we use what God has given us all while staying true to who we are, then God is going to do great things through us. 

But we have to start with willingness.

Yesterday and today's messages from Girl Be Brave are simple. Yesterday, a very familiar and recurring theme that keeps popping up as I read this month came back. "Bravery doesn't come from beautiful places. Bravery is birthed in darks days and uncertainty." I'm going to revisit this whole theme someday soon with a blog about it because their is a message that I think God is speaking to me this month. I want to make sure that all my thoughts are gathered together.

Today's message was just as simple. It's ok to say no. We too often overschedule, over volunteer ourselves. Whatever the reason it is that you always say yes. You're a people-pleaser. You feel obligated. You want to fit in. You just love helping others. Whatever it is. It's ok to say no once in awhile. Make time for your family. Make time for your dreams and goals. Make time for you. It's ok. I won't think your selfish.

I'm not going to lie. Yesterday's work out was spontaneous and it was fun. I had turned some music on in my son's playroom. He was asking me to come in and play. As I walked into the room I did a silly little dance to the music and it started a little dance off. Admittedly, it was more just awkward jumping and some crazy moving, but it was fun. We both used some energy to move while we laughed and had a good time together.

Today, I had to break away for a few minutes and just did some time on the elliptical. I was able to listen to my book by Lara Casey and get in a quick workout that didn't require me to be too strenuous today. But now it's time to turn in. Cause I'm tired. Hopefully you didn't go blind. I do kind of feel like I was a little more chatty tonight.

Be blessed!

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase.

Today, I spent some more time outdoors with my son. Yesterday I bought some snow pants so that I could be comfortable outside and play in the snow. There is a whole conversation about putting on the snow pants. I'll tell you about that down in Action #3. 

I did start a new devotional today. This devotional I am doing with a group of ladies. If you are counting that makes two devotionals and a inspirational book that I am reading daily along with Lara Casey's Cultivate that I am listening to on audible. I may have a problem.

I also hate to admit this because I am a firm believer of confessing something and speaking it into existence, but I am sick.

Today I am thankful for all military personnel, both past and present, that have given their time and lives to ensure that I get to still live in a land of freedom. I appreciate the freedoms that have been given to me and do not take them for granted.

Today, my books seemed to compliment each other again. In Embraced, Lysa talks about going out and doing what God has given us to do. We all have been given a direction from God and when we are walking with Him and have developed a relationship with HIm so that you can see it.

In Girl Be Brave, Cheryl encourages us to go out there and see our potential, follow our dreams and reach our goals. We all have secret passions, goals and desires. We need to get out there and grab those dreams ladies! Don't get passed by or live with regrets.

For today's work out we went outside. I'm going to go ahead and go on record that putting on snow pants is the work out in itself. Is it supposed to be so difficult to get them on? And that isn't the end. Then I had to get one leg up over the other leg so I could put on my boot. The leg kept slipping off. I was seriously out of breath when I was finally done getting dressed to get out. Then I repeated the work out getting my son ready. We did have a lot of fun playing our version of soccer in the snow. I also took some time out to walk around the yard and make some pictures.

All in all it was a good day. Be blessed!

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase. ​

It's Sunday. It's been a great day. I teach Sunday School for two and three year olds. The class is largely boys. Truth be told it is typically seven to eight boys and one girl. You can never know what to expect. Today it was the church version of wrestle mania. I'm not sure why all of them decided it would be fun to wrestle, but every time I blinked my eyes another group was wrestling with each other.

We also, had lunch with my inlaws and made a trip to Fleet Farm to pick me up snow pants. It's that season and my son is now old enough to insist on me getting in to the snow with him. 

While we were out and about today I made more of a concerted effort to look people in the eye and greet them, smile at them and make small talk. You know what? They smiled back. They talked. It isn't something I normally do. My son is more the ice breaker and make friends with strangers type person. I can see the appeal in making friends with new people.

Today, in Embraced, Lysa talks about the power of prayer. Not just a regular prayer either, but powerful prayers. Bold prayers.

I remember when I use to do bold prayers. I can't say that I've done it as much lately. I can say that I have fallen in to the trap that Lysa talks about in the devotional. It is too easy say "well, let your will be done" and not just believe that God is going to answer my prayer. Maybe it's time to get back to believing that God is a prayer answering God.

Friends, Girl Be Brave was super amazing today. Cheryl talks about listening to the voice in your head. She talks about how words are important and we actually use our own words against ourselves. Here are a few takeaways from today.

• Negative self-talk is more damaging than anything anyone else can say to us.
• Your words are a powerful resource for your life.
• Your mind hears ever you say and immediately starts working to align your life with your words.

I was able to work out so much earlier today. My husband was home. We had bought a hotwheels car wash when we were at FleetFarm. It was supposed to be a Christmas present. Dad was weak, but it worked out to my benefit. While my husband and son opened up the box and played with the toy I was able to do my work out. It was kind of nice being done with my work out before 5PM. I will have to try this more often.

Be blessed.

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase. ​

Today was a beautiful day. I love going in to get my son when he wakes up lately. His face lights up when I walk in to the room and he says "Mom, you're back". It's ok to laugh. I do every time he says it. I don't know if he dreams that I left or if he just learned to say something new and he says it. I promise that for 99.5% of this kids life I have been by his side. I love that he is excited to see me in the mornings. I enjoy kicking off the day with someone who is happy to be enjoying life. 

We went for a quick visit today to my hometown. I delivered some product to a friend/customer and then we went to grab some lunch with my mom and step dad. It was a sweet visit. My son was in an amazing mood and he ate really well.

​Also, I may have said the following to my husband today. "A mouse ran across the driveway when I was getting Joe in to the car. He was kind of cute. He had super big eyes. Now that I think about it though, maybe he had glaucoma". Both my husband and I laughed. He was a cute mouse though. Even his ears were a little over sized. I'm not usually a big fan, but he was cute. He just better keep his distance from my house. We have traps and I'm not afraid to use them.

I always feel like these questions are trick questions. I love books, so picking out just one to be thankful for is a little difficult. Of course, there is the Bible. I do not discount that, but for the sake of this question let's talk about books that are not the Bible. Like I said, I struggle to limit it to just one so I'm going to list the books that I have read within the last year that have been impactful to me.

1. Present Over Perfect 
2. 100 Days To Brave
3. Grace Not Perfection
4. Cultivate
5. Embraced
6. Girl Be Brave
7. Girl Wash Your Face
8. Girl Stop Apologizing

All of these books are amazing reads and all of them have their own merit and messages, but all of them tell you to believe in who God made you to be.

Today in Embraced, Lysa talks about being overlooked. She talks about how David was so overlooked that when Samuel told Jesse to line up his sons so he could anoint one of them as king, he didn't even call David in from the fields to stand in line.

It isn't easy when you are overlooked. I know. I feel I can be overlooked on a regular basis. I oftentimes compare myself to the proverbial wallflower at the school dance or the kid that is jumping up and down in gym class hoping that they are not the last person to be "picked" for a team. You know. The leftovers. The ones that no one wants. 

I don't know why I see myself as this, but here I am. Up until just a few months ago I woke up daily with the assumption that I did not matter. There has been a shift however, that started in July. (I'll talk more about that in December)

​Ultimately, the message is, that David was overlooked by man, but he was handpicked by God. That is the message that Lysa is delivering in today's devotional. Maybe you are overlooked. Maybe others don't see the value in you and what you can bring to the table, but God does. He has a plan for you. He sees your value. He's prepping you for something bigger. 

Girl Be Brave was all about being resilient today. Standing back up when you get knocked down. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes for today.

• Resilience is being able to get back up after being knocked down.
• I've found that after a major setback of failure, where I focus my thoughts has a lot to do with how quickly I recover.
• Focusing on your purpose is what will keep you motivated to get back up and begin again.

Ha! I did it. I had a full day of traveling and still came home, waited for my son to go to bed and then did a workout. High five it out people. I am nine days in. I may just make a habit of being thankful, exercising and blogging!

Be blessed!

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase. ​

My day started out with a banging headache. One of those that reaches from the front of your head all the way and goes down in to your shoulders. It was super intense. No worries. I miscalculated how much caffeine I had yesterday. It was none. Bad math. I'll try not to make that mistake again. One of these days I'll break the terrible soda addiction and I won't have those morning. 

Today's be thankful challenge is about being thankful for that one activity that you get to do every day. I chose my bedtime routine with my son. 

There was a time when I didn't get to do bedtime routines. I didn't even think I would ever have the opportunity. But then God blessed me. He gave me one of the most precious gifts. 

Don't get me wrong. I do look forward to the time after our bedtime routine and he is out, but I honestly love the time that we get to have together. These are the times where he will run his fingers through my hair, put his hand on my cheek, whisper that he loves me right before he falls asleep. It's during the times that we read that we laugh and giggle. He recently started trying to say his prayers with me and it has got to be the sweetest thing I have ever heard. I treasure the times, that I get to lay there next to him and watch his eyes slowly drift close and he falls asleep.

These are the moments I prayed for. The moments I longed and wished for. I am so very thankful for them.

In today's devotion of Embraced, Lysa encourages us to see things with spiritual eyes. I have to admit I struggle with this one because I was raised with the belief that you never want to be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good. I do believe this. I believe it's possible that an attempt at being like Jesus can turn in to being pious or turn you in to a Pharisee or Sadducee. But lately I also believe that there is a balance. There doesn't have to be extreme opposites to this. It is possible to see Him in the simple and mundane in our lives without being overly important or overboard.

I think it's best to just directly quote my favorite part from Girl Be Brave and just let it speak for itself.

• When we go through difficult times, we grow. As we grow, we are humbled. The more humbled we are, the more human connections we create. The ability to connect with others on this level makes you beautiful because human connections is beautiful.
• Maybe instead of gorging ourselves on instant pleasures, we should press into pain and be present in those difficult situations. We learn what we can and grow through it.

Hard things make you beautiful!

Life is hard! But those struggles make us beautiful!

Because of the terrible headache most of the day I did not do my Beachbody workout, but I did move my body by going out and walking our yard with my son. I also spent a good ten minutes of my night "dancing" with my son. It's really just jumping up and down in starbursts, but whatever. It made him laugh, so that's what we did.

Be blessed!

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase. ​

It's cold friends! I'm not ready for this. Like, I haven't had time to mentally prepare for this. Despite the cold, it has been a good day.

Joe & I went with his daddy to get his oil changed. While we waited we grabbed something to eat. We had a great time playing with a monkey hand puppet and monkey finger puppet that I had stuffed in my purse. Life as a mom! Am I right? But the laughs and giggles we had make a purse stuffed full of toys totally worth it.

It's day seven, so this makes a week that I have consistently posted to my blog, read my devotions, have thought about something to be thankful for and exercised. Whoa! I am pretty proud of myself.

Today's thankful question is all about what traditions mean the most. I have to say that Thanksgiving dinner with my husband's family is one of those traditions that are meaningful to me. It was one of the things that I first loved about his family. The one day a year where they would all get together and spend time together playing games, laughing, watching tv... eating.

It reminded me of all the family get together's we would have when I was young and my grandma and grandpa's house. The song says "don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone". Do you know what I would give to have those days back? Together with my grandma and grandpa. All the aunts and uncles and cousins. Those were good times. I remember eating taco salad until I was stuffed full. Yes, I said taco salad. That was my grandma's signature dish. I wish I had valued my time with my family more. Some have passed away and some have moved away. I may have just enjoyed myself more and soaked up more time with them while I had that time with them.

I feel like I could have written today's Embraced devotions myself. Honestly. I should just type the whole devotions in because it is almost word for word what I have been talking about the last few days when I talk about where I want my relationship with God to be.

Lysa puts in a prayer that she starts her morning time with and then breaks it down. I want to put that prayer in and I combined it with the breakdown because I feel it gives it so much depth.

• God I want to see You. I want to see you working in me, around me and through me. I want to hear You. I want to hear your voice so clearly that I won't doubt when you ask for my obedience. I want to know You. I don't just want to know facts about You, but I want to really know You personally and intimately. I want all of this so that I can follow hard after You. I want to be the woman You want me to be in every circumstance of my day.

This is powerful! I can tell you that I am not one for scripted prayers, but this is going to be something that I add to at the beginning of my prayers because I need to hear it and say it on a daily basis. I need to remember why I need God in my life.

Oh man, Girl Be Brave was on point for me today. I needed to hear some of this encouragement. I still am amazed at myself in how easy I am ready to just give up sometimes. This challenge has not been easy for me. It requires consistency and that is not one of my finer traits. Unless you count binge watching The Office a good trait, then sign me up because I can do that pretty consistently with no real issues. 

I love that these daily inspirations are only a page long, but pack one of the biggest punches ever. Here are a couple of my takeaways from today's reading:

• Opportunities come to people who are already walking toward their goal.
• Actions are what separate those who live a life of purpose from those who sit it out, wondering why they never found fulfillment. I know too many people who do this. Including myself.
• A person can cover a lot of ground putting one foot in front of the other.

I've forgotten to include my Inscribe The Word the last couple of days. I don't want to discount this or leave it out because I have to say that I have felt the benefit of reading these passages of scripture daily. Today's reading is Galatians 5:13-15.

• For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Ouch! We've been given so much, but we have to love one another. I have to say that even though I did my devotions earlier this morning I still struggled with this today because I'm human I guess. I get annoyed or frustrated and I open my mouth.

God please help me to love unconditionally like You. Help me to remember that everyone has a story and help me to see that story so that I can understand them better and love them like You do.

I have no idea why I resist yoga so much. I always imagine myself being completely miserable and then I just do it and enjoy myself immensely. Today was a yoga day in my routine. I had put it off yesterday and did just some walking and light exercises around the house because my lower back was hurting, but honestly now (I say this every time) I wish I had done the yoga yesterday. I imagine it would have helped me feel so much better. 

So that's it! Day seven is in the books. Only twenty-three more days to go. If you are doing this along with me then go ahead and high five yourself, because I am. I am honestly so proud of myself right now for sticking to this commitment.

Be blessed!

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase. ​

It's Wednesday. Well. There's just a little bit left of the day so I better get tapping right. Can't have too many days of me posting my update a few minutes after midnight for the previous day.

It snowed today, so we spent some time outside this morning playing in the snow. I really need to get to the store to pick up some snow pants. My son really wants me to play in the snow with him and I have a real aversion to being cold and wet. But man, that face when he is enjoying himself and saying "mama, come play" makes me want to roll in that snow with him.

It's time to be thankful!

Today's challenge question was what scent are you most thankful for this year. Mine, I have to admit, was weird. It's my husband. What? Say it isn't so. What do you do? Just going around sniffing your husband? LOL. No!

But there have been some very distinct times in our lives that have been trying or tragic. In those time, my husband has pulled me close and tells me everything is going to be alright. I love those hugs. They are warm and strong and are full of comfort and assurance. I'm a smeller. I know that's weird, but when I smell something it can bring me such comfort or make me as sick as can be based on my memories. 

This year, my husband has worked a ton of hours. With the exception of the last month or two he has been gone six days a week and typically works twelve hour shifts. His drive to and from work is thirty to forty minutes so that is roughly thirteen hours a day he is gone. Add to that, the fact that he gets home around 4am and needs to get at least six hours of sleep, it means we get at most four to five hours of him before he leaves again. This includes his prep time to get ready for the day, eating lunch and doing errands that he needs to do. It leaves very little time for us to talk about my bad days or things that are just not right. Sometimes all I get a hug. I don't say a thing. But if I can just get that hug and I can breathe him in. I know that everything is going to be alright.

Today's devotional in Embraced, it is all about slowing down to be filled by Him. Lysa talks about how we run forward with the intent of doing His purpose, but forget to fill our own cups by spending time with Him. Friends, this was for me today. This is a continued pattern of mine. Run until I can't run anymore. The funny thing is that I know somewhere in the back of my mind that it isn't even a marathon that I'm doing. 

God does have a purpose for my life. There is a work for me to do. There are some great things that are going to happen and doors that are going to open, but I can't walk through them if I don't have the energy. This is exactly what I needed today. Here's a couple of things from the author:

• We run at a breakneck pace to try and achieve what God wants us to slow down enough to receive.
• All He asks is that we personally receive from Him before setting out to work for Him.
• We say we trust Him but act like everything depends on us.
• I needed to reconnect with the One who knows how to breathe life back into depleted and dead places. (Isn't this exactly what I've been saying I need the last few days)
• Fullness comes when we remember to be with Him before going out to serve Him.

Girl Be Brave was all about accepting yourself for who you are. It isn't that you can't change or strive for better, but stop rejecting yourself. Yet another sermon I needed to hear today. Part of my struggle the last couple of days has been me trying to convince myself that the plans I have set in to motion for 2020 are not possible because I am a hot, unorganized mess. I've been rejecting me. Can I be unorganized? Yes. Can I be a hot mess? Yes. Does it mean I can't get myself together, make progress and fulfill dreams and God's purpose in my life? No.

So say it with me "Tomorrow is a new day and I accept who I am and how God is going to use me today".

Today, my workout consisted of taking a half hour walk around the yard with my son and doing mini workout sets around the house in between chores. I took it a little easier because my lower back was a little iffy which was kind of my suspicion after yesterday's workout. Tomorrow I'll be back in to the hard core workout, but for now I'm so proud of myself for taking a half hour to dress my son in his snow suit. (a workout in itself) and getting out and moving.

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase. ​

Today was a little bit of a laid back day for me. I packed away a large portion of the Halloween/Fall decorations. My son and I went for a walk out in the back portion of our yard. I took some pictures of him playing and we picked out some leaves to bring inside. We did some crafts today and we also spent a lot of time today playing with these new number puzzles that we had gotten him at Meijers on Sunday. In addition to all of that, I was able to complete my challenge tasks.

Today's challenge was to compliment three people today. How is that showing thankfulness? It's showing other people that you notice them. It's thinking beyond yourself. Even though the task is for someone else, I have to admit that paying someone a compliment always leaves me with a reward of feeling pretty good myself. Especially if I know that my compliment made their day.

I did get to compliment three people today. Despite the fact that I only left the house for about 10-15 minutes. One of the people that I complimented today (actually several times) was my son. Since turning three, he has tried me in every way possible.

Grrrr! Friends! I mean, he pushes the button. Then he pushes the button repeatedly. Then he just lays his finger on the button. I have gotten super frustrated the last week with him and yesterday's devotion convicted me that I should be stopping to think about my responses because how I respond to my son is my witness to him. Yes, even to a three year old.

So today, I took a step back and the only time I did yell was when we went for our walk. He ran up ahead of me and ran around the corner of the house before I could catch up to him. Our road can be pretty busy so it was a pretty frightening moment thinking that maybe he turned and burned down the driveway towards the road. I will say I didn't spend a lot of time on it and the yelling really was just me frantically yelling "stop! too far! stop". When I caught up to him, I firmly told him that I did not appreciate him running away where I couldn't see him. When we got inside, I calmly told my husband what happened and he then had another conversation with our son.

Other than that, if he wasn't listening I would repeat myself. If he still did not listen than I would take him by the hand and have him look at me so we could talk. Sometimes I would have him repeat back to me what I said. I can't believe it, but it worked. We had a pretty amazing day. I was able to pay him several compliments throughout the day. I'm sure it will all be different tomorrow. lol. This kid sure does keep me on my toes.

The other two were friends that I messaged and let them know that when I am with them my heart smiles.

In today's devotion in Embraced, Lysa talks about knowing what to do, but we pause or don't do it at all. She puts forth some very pretty solid questions we can ask ourselves when we are deliberating about important steps or moves that we want to make. 

1. Have you been reading and praying through God's Word?
2. Have you been applying God's Word to your life?
3. Have you sought godly counsel and insights from wise people who know specifics about your situations?

Great questions. I have to admit I go both ways on this. I can deliberate for so long that I end up eventually not doing something that I know could benefit us and at other times I jump in head first to something and do not weigh everything to see if it balances with the rest of my life. 

I am trying to be more intentional about reading and praying through God's Word. I won't say that I'm doing huge chunks at a time, but I am following a plan that has me thoroughly digesting one or a couple of scriptures each day this month. I want to truly step back this last part of the year and just lean in to God. That means taking my time to understand what He has already put before me in His Word.

There is one line in today's entry of Girl Be Brave.

• Don't diminish yourself to ease the insecurity of others.

Hey oh! That's a mouthful and a rather large sermon all in nine words. It isn't easy being a stay at home mom with aspirations to do something bigger with my life. You know you have the people who judge the working moms and you have the people who judge the stay at home moms. Well, stay at home moms that also work from home get both sides of that. It's super annoying. 

Everyone wants you to fit in to a specific mold. You should be doing this or you should be doing that. But I refuse to be put in a box. When we got married there was a huge difference of opinion between what I wanted for MY wedding and what my husbands family felt traditional weddings should look like. Well, I did it my way and guess what? The other day, my mother in law told me our wedding was simple, but so beautiful. Imagine if I had caved to what people had said my wedding should look like. It wouldn't have been my wedding. It would have been someone elses and I wouldn't have all the fond memories I have of it today. I would have resented it.

The same thing applies to my son. Want an opinion on how you should raise your kid? You don't even need to step outside your home for that anymore. Just open up social media and you'll have one person telling you to just go ahead and let your kid have screen time, another person telling you no screen time and another person telling you limited and monitored screen time. It's ridiculous. 

So, just be yourself. Do you feel conflicted about something? Have you asked yourself those questions that Lysa asked in today's devotional? If so, and your answers were all yeses then you have the best knowledge on what to do with your life. Go out and make it possible. Anyone that is standing in your way, when you know that you have a God ordained mission and purpose for your life just doesn't like that you have challenged them and made them uncomfortable with what they are doing with the purpose of their life.

Can I tell you how proud I am of myself? I am! I can literally start every one of these sections with "I just didn't feel like exercising today, but I did it anyway". LOL. Serious! I hate it! I hate stopping what I'm doing to take the time to exercise. It doesn't even matter if I was just sitting on the couch binge watching something. I hate the idea of getting up and working out. But I've done it five days in a row now. Today was another weights day. Someone reading this remind me tomorrow when I'm pretty sure I'm having a heart attack that I worked out with weights. 

With that, I am turning in because I've already crossed over in to day six before posting this! 

​God Bless!

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase. ​

It's Monday. Day four. I had a severe case of anxiety today. A day in the life of Michelle. So this will be short and sweet tonight. I hate the inability to focus during these times. That feeling of being overwhelmed. I can tell you I considered just sitting on the couch and doing nothing while I binge watched Blippi with my son, but alas, my integrity. Stupid integrity.

Day four actually started off with an early morning of alone time for an hour. It was kind of nice. I was able to complete my devotions and prayer time before my little guy woke up. Definitely something I wouldn't mind making a habit out of.

I'm thankful for the smell of fall. There is something about stepping outside the door and just inhaling. A deep breath in and you can be transported to fall days with friends, hot apple cider, apple orchards, bonfires and laughs. Isn't it amazing how a simple smell can take you back to so many fond memories.

Day four of Embraced is all about living out your witness and taking time each morning talking with God to prepare for the day. This is definitely something that I have been working on. I can be a morning person when forced, but I don't willingly do it. I oftentimes wonder though how different my days would be though if I were to intentionally wake up two to three hours before my day was to officially start how much better could my day be? I could do my reading and spend some time with God and I wouldn't be rushed. Maybe, I could develop that relationship I crave. Maybe I could respond better in times of crisis. Maybe I could be so much better prepared for my days. Maybe I could feel less scattered brained all the time. Maybe. Let's see what tomorrow looks like. A few of my favorite lines from today's devotion are:

• But what actually happens during the strains of everyday life can sometimes betray my best intentions.
• My life is speaking a message about what I really believe, and I want that message to honor Jesus.
• Not my will, God, but Yours be done. This slight pause and acknowledgement of God redirects my frustration and replaces it with grace.

Girl Be Brave was all about the curve balls life can throw at you and being prepared. It's about working hard through it and not giving up. Today's favorite:

• Any noteworthy endeavor you set out to achieve is going to hit a few bumps.
• If accomplishing big things were easy, everyone would do it.
• Not everything you are called to do will be easy. In fact, taking the right path is often harder.

It wasn't easy friends, but I did it. I don't even mean that I didn't want to do it. I mean, I didn't, but that isn't my point this time. Today was an ab workout. I would say ninety-five percent of the workouts were on the floor. Before starting I asked Joe if he would like to exercise with me and he said yes. Guess what ended up happening? Nothing like a few dozen body slams and being tackled while exercising. It definitely made it a little more fun and interesting.

Note: Anything I have italicized is not my own words, but are either paraphrased or directly from a book. I try to make it clear from which book the writing is from, but if you are unsure, please ask. Also, if you click on any links that lead you to Amazon from this page and you then purchase the product that you clicked on I may or may not earn money from your purchase. ​