new
I don't think I've ever experienced a more unique season of life than now. It feels like a slow yet fast paced flip, if that makes any sense. Like God is taking everything up until this point and revealing the purpose or path and where it fits in such a clear way. It feels like an adventure. There is a lot of change, unknowns and tons of curiosity. I'm learning His timing and learning that a lot of what I'm meant to do will be birthed (no pun intended) out of experiences I have yet to have, and that I have to let myself have those experiences to have the revelation to what the next step is.
Over the last three years i've been led to step out and take some risks or pursue certain things. Every one of them taught me alot and prepared me. I know they're seeds that are developing into a bigger seeds that may look a little different. Everything I pursued allowed me to experiment, try new things, work out challenges, and find what truly interests me. I was able to focus in and rule out other things through experience. And THAT'S the part I feel i've learned the most about. Learning my lane. That there are certain things I was graced to do and that those are the only things to focus on because that's where my full purpose lies.
Like now... a huge adventure is right in front of me and I know it's time to experience this season fully. Being a mom to a beautiful little baby girl, to live simply in that and soak it in every bit of it. I know when it times to weave in other things, the space for them will be there.
As the year ends we all look ahead to the next year and carry lots of goals, dreams, and visions. My prayer is that nothing that has happened this last year or anytime in the past will hinder your belief in the limitless possibility of what is to come. Be Free, be fearless and know that nothing can stop the call and purpose on your life...nothing!
With the new year coming in I also wanted to personally share some other new things...
I will still be doing photography but it will definitely take on a new shape. I'm taking a break until after little mama is born and we've "settled in" to living life as three. I will no longer be doing anything event, bridal or wedding related. I will still be doing engagement photos and personal bridal sessions if requested. But if you want a recommendation for an amazing event photographer, I know just the guy, he does beautiful work, and I can connect you to him. For a listing of the types of shoots and services I still offer, just click the "photography" tab under the header above :) I also want to thank everyone who invited me into their special times and asked me to take picture of it, the support and love has been humbling to say the least. Each of the experiences is always and answered prayer.
The one other thing God is pressing on my heart the most to focus on at this time is my writing.
The avenue of starting a blog confirmed and taught me alot, but the world and industry of blogging doesn't really match my personality or perspective at all. Nothing bad, just not for me. It will still be here to share fun things with family and friends, especially will little mama coming, but a lot of the writing on the inside of me will poured into a new forum... a book. It's been sitting in my spirit for years but I feel that it times to put the pieces together.
I'm so excited and ready for all the NEW that is coming.
label.living
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I've noticed a trend. Lifestyle Labeling.
It's one of THE biggest deceptive distractions there is in our generation. It's so stealth, we might even miss it. For example, how often does anything along these lines happen in everyday conversation:
- "Oh, you like (insert observation)? you're so (insert label)"
"Wow! Everything in your house is (insert observation), you must be so (insert label)"
"You always dress like (insert observation), you're very (insert label)"
"You shop at (insert observation)?, that so (insert label) of you"
"You believe in (insert observation) when raising your children?
you must be one of those (insert label) kind of parents"
"You're doing (insert observation)?, you're totally one of those (insert label)"
...and the list could go on forever. Seems innocent and common right? We all do it.
We are a society quick to box in and label something. It's help us control and process what's around us. We not only do it to others, we do it to ourselves. We crave being able to identify with something. But it can also create a pressure to portray a certain style of life to prove who you are... even to yourself. It's practicing, purchasing or believing certain things with the motivation to fit within a label. The label dictates us instead of us living unique to our own path and purpose. You end up living a pretend version of your life, instead of a genuine one.
I notice this most in the area's of overall style, diet/food choices, faith, parenthood and general consumerism. Anything where we have the freedom to pick what we want and believe. What we pick becomes a symbol of expression, and in a society of twitter, facebook, blogs, and other social media, it creates an image reflection welcoming constant feedback and confirmation. And now people are all too aware of what reactions certain things create that they play right into the game without even realizing it's become why they do what they do.
Now there is some truth mixed up in all of this, THAT'S what makes it so deceptive and hard to recognize in our own life where the gray area turns to red. The bondage is not in feeling passionate about choosing something wisely knowing that you represent your beliefs by your actions, that's actually just good stewardship and firm resolve. The bondage is when a label is placed on you or you begin to consciously identify with a certain label as a guiding point. You let that label dictate your choices, allowing the fulfillment of that label to validate how we perceive our worth and purpose.
This seems to happen in women more than men. We are ambitious, inspired, multifaceted beings. We are passionate, care about things deeply, and think alot. (And that's not to say men don't, but we express and process things differently.) So sometimes we get so caught up in creating a lifestyle ideal or concept of what something says about who we are, that we think of it as an all or nothing game when making decisions or appreciating what we already have. That everything in every area of our lives has to be a certain way or fit a certain criteria before we can feel content and accomplished. THAT is the biggest lie we fall for. We can't do things for effect, for reaction and to keep up with some invisible marker of success or standard. Otherwise our peace will always be in someone else's validation of what you're presenting to them. It's like constantly seeking approval without even realizing it. Living like that takes away from being who we really are, fulfilling our unique purpose and living contently.
Like what you like, do what you believe God is telling you do. Don't worry about what type of woman or mom liking or doing something makes you, make your choices based on your preference, beliefs and priorities. Too many of us fall into unconsciously feeding an image of ourselves that we are trying to maintain and it can quickly become competitive. I know I personally like certain things that would "cross label" or contradict a label placed on me... and i'm totally cool with that. I can do something and know its a good and healthy decision and be content with it without feeling like i'm failing to fit into a perceived label category that goes along with that object, style or decision because other things I do don't fit neatly into the accompanying stereotype.
We live in a highly connected society, and at times too much influence or inspiration can be a hindrance to learning our own personality, preferences, and creativity. It can be the best feeling ever to take some time away from all social media, and see what you gravitate to when you have nobody but yourself to react to it. Nobody to comment, nobody to take pictures for, nobody to impress. You're not comparing your choices or having them influenced by everything else you see or hear. *freedom*
I live to symbolize one thing, heaven. Everything else in my life is a role or avenue that allows me to represent heaven. These roles do not define me, my obedience to my purpose as being a daughter of God is what defines me. I've been firmly moving in the direction that doing less is truly truly doing more and pray daily for God to show me where the deceptive distractions are and how to overcome them. He always shows me that they are in the mundane, in the routine of it all. That the little things that seem like nothing are actually the root of the big things.
Think about some of the labels you've identified with and if a lot of what you do is based on maintaining that. Be peaceful in who you are and what your unique life encompasses. You're a work of art. And everyone else is another unique work of art, so let's give others the space to be peaceful in who they are too. The most adventurous and unique people break molds, they don't chip away at who they are to fit ones that are already made.
politics.as.usual
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During this campaign I saw lots of hate, lots of judgement, and lots of division. And I'm not even talking about between the canidates. I'm talking about the everyday opinions within the citizens of this nation.
With social media at our fingertips, everyone has their own podium and microphone and what people chose to use that platform for was sad. I have never in my life witnessed such a release for people to be so hateful and judgemental. I understand people are passionate, but be passionate for what YOU believe, not passionate about bashing and mocking what others believe. There is a way to stand strong for your views without being condescending and obnoxious.
What is even more sad was the lack of knowledge that some of the loudest had while fighting for a party ideal or canidate that they really didn't the take the time to personally research. Just going along and listening to what biased campaign affilates and pundits says is not research. That's being a puppet and rooting your beliefs in other's opinion and being swayed by mass marketing. We have so much access to stats and information, why settle for anything less than fact.
This election is important and this is a time to support what you believe BUT judging someone else for whatever they decide to do today is pointless. Nothing positive or productive comes from that. Just be peaceful in what you decided to do. Don't fall for the distracting and dividing game that politics can create. All the arguing does exactly what it's meant to do, to take the focus away from what really needs to be done or what is really going on. Be informed, be passionate, be active, but let's not fuel the hate, this nation has enough of that already, right?
Have a lovely election day!
the.honest.company
I know I can't protect my family from every toxin, germ or icky thing, nor do I want to, that in itself is not natural, healthy, or realistic. But I personally believe I can do my part to create the best atmosphere and access to less toxic, less icky things within our own home through small better choices in what we use, eat, and purchase.
Even before I got pregnant I explored and began mixing some natural products into our life for a few reasons:
1. I had yet to come across products that actually did what they claimed to do.
2. I didn't like the feel, smell, or sick feeling I had after using certain products, or how many loopholes there is in the government safety regulations that make it real easy to allow unsafe products to be available on shelves. It's gross.
4. In general, if I can make it, I'd rather do that.
4. I wanted to find products that really worked for us so that I could stick with them and stop wasting money experimenting with new products hoping to find something better. Which would also stop random impulse spending, like when I find myself in the aisles of Target ;)
5. The things I began to experiment with actually really worked...
After getting pregnant my interest in natural products has only increased for other obvious reasons. Not because it's trendy to be "organic" and not because I want to try and be one of those mom's, but because I just appreciate simple, high quality, effective, and healthy.
So I started looking for products that were natural BUT would work. They had to work, I didn't want to own something because it had the cute earthly organic packaging but was as good as a wishing something to clean. I looked up reviews, tried samples, and did alot of research. After lots of that I began wishing there was one place where I could get baby, beauty, cleaning and home products that were natural, cost effective, and efficient. Cute packaging wouldn't hurt either since I'm visual and like pretty things around the house. I started thinking I was asking for too much, until I stumbled upon The Honest Company. This company has truly set itself apart. Mom's will love it BUT it's not only geared towards that, anyone who wants healthier products in their home will love them too. They have shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, cleaning products, lotions, etc.
They are awesome. I had questions and called the company and actually enjoyed a customer service call...??? I know right. The lady was friendly, personable, patient and truly passionate about the brand and making it work for me. She set me up with free trials of the bundles they offer. They do a Diaper & Wipe bundle, which delivers a month's supply of chemical free diapers and wipes to your door, every month. *BONUS* The diapers come in your choice of cute designs. They also do a Family Essentials bundle which allows you to order your choice of up to 5 of their household, bath and/or beauty products every month, every 6 weeks, or 8 weeks. Your card gets charged when you choose your products, so it's really flexible and realistic. Your never stuck ordering things you don't need or want. Plus the selection is amazing and will only expand. The website is very user friendly and you'll enjoy poking around.
Finding a company that sends it's products that actually work directly to your house, and you can trust is toxin free AND equals out to costing less than what you would've bought at the store...that creates space in my time, routine, mental peace, and budget. I'm sold.
Finding a company that sends it's products that actually work directly to your house, and you can trust is toxin free AND equals out to costing less than what you would've bought at the store...that creates space in my time, routine, mental peace, and budget. I'm sold.
I've already started using their products and I'm a little in love to say the least. Everything I've used has impressed me AND truly worked. Once I've used them for a little longer, I definitely want to do a review of each of the products. I've really appreciated reading the reviews that others took the time to share, so I definitely want to sow that seed back and share my experience with whoever comes across this space.
While I do plan to use The Honest Company for most items within the house, there are just a few things I plan to continue using that are homemade because I've been really pleased with the results. I'll be sharing those too.
Every product, even if it's only one, that we switch out for something healthier is a good decision, and that's all that matters. Baby steps.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE
*this post was not at all solicited or compensated, I just appreciate the company and their products and wanted to share*
we.are.having.a...
We are so excited! We honestly knew but today it was confirmed :) A little girl is on the way!!! I feel so overwhelmed with excitement & gratefulness.
This pregnancy has not been easy to say the least, the process of it has been teaching me a lot, but God is showing me so much through every bit of it.
I’ve definitely had more time to read, research stuff, pray, think & write, especially since once I get off work the bed is THE place to be ;) so I’m making the best use of that. I’m also grateful to all my awesome friends and family and how patient, supportive, understanding and accommodating they have been. I miss getting to see a lot of them as much as normal, but all the sweet texts and encouragement are priceless and so impactful.
I heart you all.
What I’m MOST grateful for is that even though I’ve been sick, the baby is growing perfectly! Perfect weight, perfect measurements, all the chambers of the heart are formed, all her fingers and toes are formed, lots of little blessings. It’s amazing how much they can see just by doing the ultrasounds now. There is this thing now called BebeView (or something like that) where they record your sonograms and then you can go online and view them and share them, you could literally watch your sonogram on your iPhone if you wanted to, or send it to grandma. Technology is on a whole other level now huh?
As for names, we've liked about 2-3 names so far, but 1 is beginning to stick out and we think that's the one… J
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