Listening to Shame

It has been almost 5 months since I listened to Brené Brown talk about the power of vulnerability and once again I returned to TED to listen to Brené talk about the topic of shame.

This past Sunday, John and I were driving home after church - talking about what stops us from moving forward with the plans that God has for us. I said that comparison is the thorn in my side. I tend to compare myself with others and as a result I am either filled with shame or pride - either way, I find myself in an unhealthy and sinful state of mind.

There was a time in life when pride ruled me in many ways. I was aware of this character flaw and battled it almost constantly. These days I find myself dwelling in the opposite side of the spectrum.

Shame tells me that I am not good enough but again and again I choose to believe that "I can do all things through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13


 

Father and Daughter Time

I often say that I would not be who I am if it wasn't for my family and friends - and I mean that! If it wasn't for John, I would not be able to still pursue photography as a mommy. I had two photo sessions this past weekend and I am so thankful John is always willing to watch Sariah so I can go enjoy something I am passionate about!

I came home after a lovely engagement session and this is what I saw as soon as I walked in the door:

I love seeing them together!

Busy-ness No More

There was a time in life when I felt very busy all-the-time. All my conversations ended up on the topic of busy-ness. I noticed my bad habit of talking about how busy I was all the time when other people did the same to me and I got annoyed. Who wants to sit down with anyone and listen about how busy they are? No one.

I decided that many things needed to change so I could live a balanced life, having time to invest into the people and activities I loved. The beginning of college was a great time in life to begin new habits and I made the decision to not live a 'busy' life anymore.

The past 8 years have been such a gift: I have had time to make new friends, I have had time to fall in love with my Savior again and again, I have had time to start my photography business, I have had time to exercise, I have had time to get to know the man I am now married to, I have had time to be part of great Bible studies, I have had time to cook dinners, I have had time to laugh and be silly, I have had time to encourage old friends and new ones, I have had time to cherish my daughter...I have had time to do a lot of things I am passionate about and I would never want to go back to my 'busy' life.

This article by Lifehacker sums up everything I have ever wanted to say about the "Cult of Busy." Take a moment and check it out! You will not regret it.

Seven Months Old

Sariah...

• Rode the jogging stroller for the first time
• Started taking in small amounts of cheese, bread, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, beans and bananas
• Likes to snuggle when tired
• Is super wiggly and changing her diaper is becoming a crazy adventure
• Started making sounds like a little monkey
• Prefers to eat chunky foods and will not allow a spoon to enter her mouth
• Sleeps in all kinds of funny positions
• Holds her arms out like she is flying while in the Bumbo 
• Likes to watch birds flying 
• Wore a dress outside the house for the first time - yay for warm spring days
• Loves playing with daddy
• Is constantly on the move

So Blessed

I felt so blessed to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord with our newest family member! I pray that Sariah will grow up with a burning desire to follow her Savior.

Happy Despite the Mess

My kitchen sink is full of dirty dishes from last night and this morning. The dishwasher is full of clean dishes that need to be put away. The laundry pile is resembling a small version of Mt. Rainier. The bed is a mess. The floors need to be vacuumed. The counter-top is covered with bread crumbs.

That is the current state of my home and I am OK with it.

I love a clean home (I can think better when my home is clean and organized), but I am learning that sometimes it is more important to give my full attention to my husband, daughter, family and friends. I am learning to relax and enjoy the present without constantly thinking about my TO DO list.

Today the house work is going to wait because Sariah and I have more important things to do with our time!