Do you have a teachable heart?

I believe sometimes things happen just so we can learn from them. Not just big things, but small things too. 

I recently dealt with a situation that put me in a vulnerable position. In the midst of the situation the Holy Spirit asked me if I had a “teachable heart?” Initially I didn’t think much of it. How can you call yourself a followers of Christ if you weren’t teachable, right? I mean, I read my Bible searching for knowledge and truth, I go to church to gain understanding, I was even led to start this blog to share truths as God unveils them to me. So, Yes. Yes, indeed God, I do have a teachable heart. But when I was put to the test, I failed. Miserably, I might add.   

How could this be? I love God. I serve him with my life, and I’m not teachable? And to pull the layer back even further, to not be teachable means that I have nothing left to be taught, meaning I am a know-it-all and prideful. Yes, I said prideful. 

As I've been praying over this area in my life, I've been praying Psalms 51:10 over myself. It says,  create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. I want to be a complete vessel for God to use at anytime, I want him to trust me with His charge to love and serve his people. My prayer is that God would heal me of any sin and pridefulness I carry. That he would soon trust me with His wisdom and that I would have a teachable heart. 

If this is an area where you are struggling, know that I am praying for you as well. Pray Psalms 51:10 over yourself every day. Be encouraged and remember that God loves you! 

February Goals

We’re officially one month (and some change) into the new year. While January was a challenging month, I haven’t lost my zeal for cultivating a great 2018. I’ve found that life in this season is just a lot. I can modify and make adjustments where I can, but the reality is, I am a full-time working mom with a tiny person on my hip. My life looks a lot different than it did pre-pregnancy, and it will continue to change and evolve as my tiny person gets bigger. 

One thing I knew I wanted to make a priority this year is prayer. I want to spend more intentional time in prayer over my community, family, friends, and myself. So far, I can honestly say that I am happy with my progress in this area. I don’t always get the time in that I desire, but I am learning to not put pressure on myself to meet unrealistic standards. I used to think my prayer life had to be tied to a full hour of quiet time with some fancy chair, worship music, and colorful journal. There is nothing wrong with those things, but I had to remember “God is just as present while you’re washing dishes at the kitchen sink as he is while you’re worshiping in a church pew.” (God Centered Mom Podcast) 

January Goals Recap 
1. Spending more intentional and sweet time with my husband and daughter PRAISE
2. No unnecessary spending for the month ALMOST THERE
3. Limit TV to one hour three days a week and no TV two days a week (During the workweek) ALMOST THERE
4. Maintain a clean and organized home NEEDS HELP
5. Workout at least twice ALMOST THERE

While I didn’t quite meet my goals of maintaining a clean and organized home, I understand that this will probably always be on my to do list.  I don’t have the time or energy to dedicate into keeping our home the way I would prefer it to look. I am giving myself a GRACE PASS on this one and will continue to work on it. 

I also didn’t meet my workout goals, but I attend a Barre class and really enjoyed it. I wish it was something I could work into my schedule, but between the cost and their class schedule this is going to have to be something I put on hold for a while. I did, however, meet with a personal trainer that has a specialty with nutrition. We met for about 45 minutes and talked about ways to implement more physical activity and better food choices to my everyday life. And the plus is she’s a new, first-time mom too. So she understands the struggle. She’s currently working on some meal planning for me, and is planning to come to our home twice a week to help me kick start some workout routines. So cheers to an awesome month!

February Goals
1. Kick off the Daniel Fast strong and organized
2. No social media + no excessive TV
3. Create a financial plan for the quarter and stick to it
4. Finish a book
5. Implement a workout routine 

Why I’ve Decided to Set Monthly Goals

Hi friends! I hope this year is off to a good start. So far, I’m feeling pretty positive and excited to kick off some healthy habits and try some new things. One of my top priorities this year is to implement some balanced and thoughtful goal setting routines.

I have decided to set goals each month for a few reasons. First, it’s a great way to track accomplishments and things I’ve attempted throughout the year. Second, I think it will serve as a good motivation tool. Third, seeing those monthly post will hopefully keep me accountable.

During my time off work for the holiday season I was able to do some research and dig deeper into goal setting. The method that I will be following for 2018 is Lara Casey’s Making It Happen Goal Setting. If you’re unfamiliar with Lara’s approach check it out here.

January Goals

1. Spending more intentional and sweet time with my husband and daughter
2. No unnecessary spending for the month
3. Limit TV to one hour three days a week and no TV two days a week (During the workweek)
4. Maintain a clean and organized home
5. Workout at least twice 

A Refreshed New Year

Hi friends. Happy new year! I am so excited for 2018 and I hope your are too. I am looking forward to uncovering more of God's truths, storing them deep within my heart, and sharing it with all of you. As I have been praying and planning, I can't help but feel delighted.

In 2017 I asked God to give me a word for the year and he gave me resilience. The word means, “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” As I reflect on 2017, resilience fits perfectly -- It was a rough year. But with every challenge, twist and turn, God was right there guiding me along the way. While preparing for 2018, I don't want to forget the lessons and blessings of 2017. The Bible tells us that ALL things work together for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) You May not see it now, but know that God has a purpose for each and everyone of us!!!

During this new year it is my hope to cultivate peace and joy like never before. I want to do my part in creating a life that is not dictated by stress and pressure. I want to find a cadence that works for me and my family, and not the one that my Instagram or Pinterest feeds deem ideal. I want to implement simplicity through my day-to-day, be motivated my realistic goals, and enjoy each and every moment that I have breath in my body.

So cheers to refreshed perspective, hopes and dreams! Have an amazing 2018!

Let's Give Thanks

When I reflect on 2017, I can honestly say this year’s Thanksgiving holiday probably means the most to me. Much more than all of the past year’s celebrations. Growing up Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday ﹘ celebrating with tons of food, fun and family. I love Thanksgiving so much that we  incorporated our wedding into a Thanksgiving weekend in 2014.

This year, I have experienced some tremendous highs and some devastating lows. In the midst of so much joy, I’ve also dealt with a great deal of  heartache and grief. My faith has been put to the test with a number of challenges and obstacles, but through it all God has truly been faithful. When He tells us to be strong because he’ll never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), know that His word is true. You can count on it as a sure thing because it’s not a hope, it is a promise.

While I could share a hefty list of all the people and things I am thankful for this year. I think it would be more impactful to share scriptures in which I am truly thankful.

1. John 1:1-5 In the beginning the Word already existed.The Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He existed in the beginning with God. (3) God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. (4) The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. (5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

2. John 3:16 & 17 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (17) God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

3. Isaiah 53: 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

4. Romans 4:5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.

5. John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

A Prayer for the Broken

Lord, thank you. Thank you for this life that you have given me to live. Thank you for the people that you've blessed me with that help make this life so rich. Thank you for my church and the body. Help us come together despite our differences as a united front to better serve your children and glorify you.

Help us to bring honor to your name and your kingdom. I pray for the distressed. Those who are hurt, lost and broken - hear their cries Lord, and if their prayers aren't reaching your ears due to unrepentant sin, I ask that you forgive them Lord. Forgive me for my sin. Help us all turn away from those things that are displeasing to you.
Give me a clean heart Father and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10) Remind me that you promised to never leave nor forsake us! (Deuteronomy 31:8) Help us to study and learn your Word which is our truth in this life.

Remind us to rely on that more than the world. Remind us to cast our cares unto you because you care for us! (1 Peter 5:7) And you love us! Teach us to have patience in the seasons of waiting.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!

Four Scriptures to Help in the Midst of Overwhelmed

We all know this life brings many challenges, but God's Word tells us to "take heart" because Jesus Christ has already overcome this world. (John 16:33) I've found that I can rest in him and lay my burdens at the feet of Jesus when I firmly stand on his Word. Here are four of my favorite scriptures to meditate on when I'm feeling overwhelmed.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28 MSG

God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together. God, you pulled me out of the grave, gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out. Psalm 30:2 MSG

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 NIV

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26 MSG