It's the little things.

Ellie Kate asked me a while ago to start a Pinterest account for her. At first I was skeptical but since I monitor her while she is on I thought it could be a fun way for us to engage in some fun activities. I was scrolling through the kids activities page and found this quote:

Ellie Kate is a very visual child. 

I thought, "I should send this to her so when she gets home from school and opens the messages on her Pinterest she will be encouraged."
That's what I did and since then it has quickly become "our thing". I love seeing her light up when she opens up her account and sees that she has a new message.

Or the mile wide grin on her face when I pick her up from school bc she had a simple note in her lunch box.

I know she may eventually roll her eyes and it might not be cool to get these little messages from me, but I'm going to do it anyway and I'm going to soak every bit of it up.

Motherhood is hard. I feel like as Mother's we are sometimes pressured to go big or go home but Ellie Kate's reaction to these was a beautiful reminder that it really is the little things that mean the most to our kids.

Happy Friday! Have a beautiful weekend!

Quote of the day!

I've been spending a lot of time in the book of Proverbs lately, especially chapter 31. I'm always encouraged by Proverbs 31 and desire to engrave the essence of this passage in my heart. 

I'm also encouraged by the life and writings of Elisabeth Elliot. I believe she nailed it in this quote:

“To me, a lady is not frilly, flouncy, flippant, frivolous and fluff-brained, but she is gentle, she is gracious, she is godly and she is giving. You and I have the gift of femininity... the more womanly we are, the more manly men will be and the more God is glorified. Be women, be only women, be real women in obedience to God.” -Elisabeth Elliot

Proverbs 31:25-31

 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I recently read THIS article from The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood as I was digging deeper into this passage of scripture. It's an in depth look at Proverbs 31.  

It encouraged me so much and reminded me that this passage of scripture is just as relevant today as it was then. 

Happy Monday!

Ohio

I'm somewhat of an adventurer at heart. I love going places I've never been before and seeing new sights. 

I spent this past weekend with Ryan's family and friends in Ohio and had an absolute blast. They are the most fun-loving people I know. I enjoyed every last minute of our time there and I cant wait to visit again. 

Here are some pics from our visit...

Ryan's parents took us out on their boat Friday and we enjoyed a nice fall day on the Ohio river. We crossed the state line over to PA, and the scenery was beautiful.

Ryan's Aunt insisted I stop and have some ice cream at Handel's. I had a scoop of their chocolate peanut butter brownie.

Best. Ice cream. Ever.

 Ryan took me around town and to Mill Creek park. 

(If you look closely you can see a mama deer behind us. Also, I'm definitely wearing a buckeye's t-shirt. What can I say?? I'm a proud supporter of my man's Alma Mater!)

  I love this little bridge over the creek.

We couldn't help but carve our initials in there.

 We enjoyed this fire pit after a wonderful dinner on our last night. I wish I would have taken a few more pics but I was having too much fun chatting with everyone.

 Our flight home was beautiful. We were happy to have landed safely but I already miss all those new faces I met while we were there!

  

Life is art.

I did a little spontaneous painting this morning.  It felt so refreshing.

I also wanted to share this quote I stumbled across a while ago. It's so beautiful to think of life as art. 

"I think everything in life is art. What you do, how you dress, the way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality, what you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea, how you decorate your home, or party; your grocery list, the food you make, how your writing looks, and the way you feel.

Life is art."

“Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious.”- Brendan Gill// Which is why I believe it's perfectly ok to sit on top of the table and paint something ridiculous. Happy Monday!

Brave

When I started this blog I wanted to use it as a place to open up and share my heart with my readers. I wanted it to be a place where others could be encouraged and feel connected. I hope that's what you find here. 

Ernest Hemingway said, "Write hard and clear about what hurts."

Red Smith said, “Writing is easy, you just sit down at a typewriter, open up a vein, and bleed it out drop by drop.”

As I sat down to journal several nights ago those two quotes never rang more true to my tired mind. Writing from the depths of one's soul is hard; and even though I was writing for my eyes only, it didn't change the fact that I had to open up the deepest parts of me and face everything head on.

I opened my veins and poured my blood out through my pen. After a while those emotions and doubts that were running through me like a stampede of wild elephants ceased and all I could think was, "My God, YOU make me brave."

I let my mind wander off for a bit to how much I love taking walks with my kids. When we go, I always go before them to make sure the path is clear before they tread it. As their mommy I desire to protect them, guide them and lead them. 

Sometimes, when I'm going through things and I'm called to be brave as I trust the road he’s asked me to walk, I have to remind myself that Christ has that same desire for me and he has done the same for me- he's done the same for all of us. 

He goes before us. He will be with us. 

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Whatever path he's asked me to take or whatever road I am on, he's already tread. He went before me, He made a way, and he will use it for His glory. 

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.” 

Hebrews 6:19-20

He makes me brave and even when I can’t fully trust in my own strength- I can trust fully in him.