Simplify Sundays {Meal Planning}

Simplifying is not always my strong suit. I am not by nature someone who is a “minimalist.” If we’re being honest, I have found myself to be someone who says,” If I like it; I should buy it in every color.” I am learning that simplifying certain things in your life truly is rewarding and brings you so much peace of mind. When you get into your new intentional habits you will quickly find joy in the simple things. Join me for a new series called, Simplify Sundays. Follow along on Instagram and tag your pictures, #simplifysundays so I can see how you are simplifying YOUR week. Read More

His Plans are Perfect

Happily Ever After….The best ending to a book or movie in my opinion but is Happily Ever After really how they portray it?….Imagine for a minute that everything in your life was “perfect.” What are you imagining? Money? New car? More toned body? Baby that sleeps through the night? Were you thinking about any of these? Maybe all of them? Now let me ask you this; when I asked you to imagine a “perfect life” did you imagine having a stronger, more meaningful relationship with God? Truth be told, most of us probably don’t think of that at first when we stomp our feet and whine about our daily struggles and how life isn’t “fair.” We sit and think about how our life isn’t the way we had always dreamed of and imagined but perhaps, this is the moment for which you were created. {Esther 4:14} Perhaps this very life you are living is exactly what God wants for you.       Read More

Live Your BEST Year

Another year has come and gone. I am so thankful for each day that God blessed me with as Alexander’s mom and Adam’s wife. But if we are being honest I cant say that I am sad to see 2016 go. It was a hard year to say the least. Starting out the year with emergency gallbladder surgery was rough, but God walked me through it and brought me to the other side of a long struggle with worry and anxiety. Though every day was not always sunshine and rainbows, life is a beautiful gift that we get to unwrap each and every day!       Read More

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

gingerbread-men

Gingerbread cookies are definitely one of my family’s favorite Christmas cookies! Not only are they delicious, but the smell of all the spices just warms up the house and makes it feel so Christmas-y! I like to add a little extra kick with candied ginger, but you can omit this ingredient if you’re making these for little kids who might not like the extra spice. Alexander’s favorite part is decorating them, so don’t forget to whip up a batch of Royal Icing to decorate these. Get creative and have fun! They don’t have to just be “gingerbread men.” I like to switch it up with gingerbread angels along with the typical gingerbread men.

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2016 Holiday Gift Guide

gift-guide

Can you believe it’s the end of November already? Maybe you’re on top of things and have already bought and wrapped your presents this year. {overachiever. haha just kidding!} BUT, maybe you are like me, and are way behind on Christmas shopping. Ok, Ok….I’ll level with you. I haven’t even started! But in my defense, I do my best work under pressure. hehe ;) So for all of you who haven’t finished (or started) here are a few things I think would make a perfect gift for any women in your life. Your friends, your sister, your hair stylist,  your mom or hey….maybe your favorite blogger ;) wink-wink. I am especially loving my JORD watch this season! See that mint beauty, smack dab in the middle. It is totally adding a pop of color and fun to my holiday outfits! Want to win one? Of course you do!

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Advent Season 2016

advent

I mentioned in an Instagram post recently that I would be doing an Advent series and then started praying about it and waiting for the Lord to lead me on what to do next. I knew I wanted to talk about keeping CHRIST in Christmas but it wasn’t until the words hit me this morning that I really realized what Advent season is all about. Preparing our hearts. I think it is so much easier to prepare our hearts during the month(s) leading up to Easter, as it is when we celebrate Jesus dying on the cross and the resurrection. But do you stop and prepare your heart during the month(s) leading up until Christmas? Because without Christmas and Christ’s birth there would be no Easter. No Joy…No Hope…No Grace.   Read More

Intentional Acts of Kindness

goodvibes

This time of year always stirs up a special feeling in people that some call Christmas magic or Holiday cheer. Whatever you call it I just love it because people just seem a little…well, nicer. I truly wish that every day was Christmas, not because I want to listen to Christmas music and sip hot chocolate by the tree but because people are just genuinely more kind and compassionate during November and December. I’m sure you’ve hear the term Random acts of Kindness before, especially around this time of year. This year, it got me thinking that what if your acts of kindness weren’t random? What if they were intentional and lasted through out the year? What if your acts of kindness were done because of love and not obligation?      Read More

Forgive as He Forgave You

forgive

If you are like most people you probably hold some sort of resentment towards someone. We have all at one time been hurt by someone either physically or emotionally or gotten angry and said things that caused us and the people involved to be hurt. Maybe everyone walked away in a civilized manner after apologizing, but more than likely you all walked away hurt and angry carrying a grudge. Sometimes saying sorry and forgiving each other just does not happen. The Lord tells us to forgive them even if they are not sorry. The reason being is because forgiveness is about your own healing. We forgive because the Lord forgives us. Read More

Thirty-Five Random Facts about ME!

35

In honor of my 35th {eek!} birthday, I thought I’d share 35 random things about myself. Let me tell you friends….coming up with 35 things was hard!! I hope you enjoy them. Some are super random, but if you can relate to any of them, I’d love to know! Leave me a comment or send me an email! xo      Read More

Come As You Are

come-as-you-are

I have had people ask me about my “testimony” and  each time I think the same thing. That they are expecting me to give them all the dark details of a broken home and shattered dreams. Maybe blaming a God that I didn’t even believe in….Then one day I saw the light and found God. But that isn’t my testimony. I came from a strong Christ centered home with two parents who loved the Lord  and my sister and I more than anything else. So unlike the answer I assume they expect, I give them the truth. My testimony is that I’ve been a Christian for as long as I can remember. I was making up songs and singing them at 3 years old that said things like, “Here comes Jesus walking down the street.” I have always known Jesus as my personal savior and friend and honestly I can not imagine what life would look like, not to know Him! I did not live a perfect, sinless life and I make sure people know that. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do know the most important answer of all. That my sins are forgiven and washed clean through my savior, Jesus Christ.         Read More