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An Extraordinary Night

December 23, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Life Leave a Comment

It is truly hard to believe that in just two days we will celebrate Christmas, and for those who believe, the birth of our Savior. This year was going at a snail’s pace for so long and yet, here we are, nearing the end of this unforgettable year.

I have had the awesome honor and privilege to lead an online Advent devotional discussion group the last three weeks with some women from my church. The staff at First Baptist wrote a beautiful devotional this year and I was so excited about an Advent study that it became my delight to lead it!

As I was reading back over the last seven days this morning, and putting some notes together for the discussion time for today, I was reminded of something from the writing on December 17th by KJ Mack.

The world wants everything to be bigger, more, brighter, more glittery, more super-sized. Better than it should be.
And who determines what should be?

One of the points of that particular day’s devotional stated, “we would be unimpressed with the details of Jesus’ birth: a government census, two people travelling to a small town to be registered and a less than ideal birth situation that culminates with a baby lying in a feeding trough.”

It was ordinary. Not big or flashy – though the choir of the Heavenly Hosts singing Hallelujah must have been something spectacular to the shepherds who were afraid.

Was Jesus’ birth just as it should have been, or better? Ordinary or Extraordinary?

Had he been a king, as the world thinks of a king, with pomp and circumstance and trumpets and banners, would we have been as much in awe with the Lord as we are with how His story actually unfolded?
Would we still ponder what it would have been like for Mary, to behold the fresh baby face of the Savior of the world – a girl as ‘common’ as you or me?

An ordinary night that somehow became extraordinary.
Consider it for a moment…

This week, as we have also been able to witness the ‘Christmas Star’, has allowed me time to reflect on what things would have been like for the Wise Men as well – these men who were learned in many subjects including astronomy and theology, knew that the star they saw was indeed not ordinary. And unlike our Christmas Star, I think the one they followed would have lasted many nights and shone brighter than any star ever had.

God is a God of wonder and majesty. He does things that often do not make sense to us, but make perfect sense to Him and His plan. He also does things that are beyond our comprehension – we cannot replicate. A star, a common girl, a feeding trough – all for the One who would come be our Rescuer.

Friend, if you haven’t yet found yourself in need of a Rescuer, especially this year, I pray that you will see your need. Jesus is the Light of the World and He was given for you and for me. He is the freest and most extraordinary gift you could ever receive.

Merry Christmas.

My Quotable Kids

December 15, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Gift Giving, Life 5 Comments

If you’re a mom {especially of small kids} and you don’t have “My Quotable Kid”, please ask someone to give it to you for Christmas. It will be one of your most prized and favorite gifts ever.

I got mine a few years ago from my friend Ann – I’m not sure if she just knew my kids would be quote-worthy, or if it was just from her experience of being a mom – kids say the darndest things!

Case in point: last night Andrew, the kids and I were sitting on our bed, reading our Advent devotional from Luke chapter 2. After Eliza Jane did a phenomenal job reading verses 1-20, Andrew asked her, “Eliza Jane, do you know what it means to have peace?”
Her response was priceless, straight-faced and all: “Yes sir, but not when Emory is around.”

Andrew and I both lost it. SO.TRUE. There is no peace when Emory is around!

Andrew pointed at me and laughingly said, “You gotta write that one down!”

So I pulled out my little book – I keep it in my night stand – and wrote down her quote so we could look back a year or two, or more from now and laugh all over again, especially at the truth of her hilarious statement.

Then I read aloud some quotes from the kids from last year and 2018 and had a good laugh.

One thing I really like about this little book, in helping preserve memories of your kids and the crazy things they say, is that you have space to write the context of what was going on when they said that silly thing. And it’s almost as if you’re transported back in time when you go back and read some of those wild things.

Oh, the funny things kids say – I hope you can reminisce some of the things your kids or kids you know have said to you recently. Feel free to share!

Also, if you read my post from last Friday, I have a drawing to do! I had several commenters and the winner of a Lip Butter from EverBe Cosmetics is….Brooke Hold! I’ll message you for your choice of Lip Butters!

Until next time, friends…

Friday Favorites :: December 11th Version

December 11, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Life 2 Comments

Y’all! Can you believe that we only have TWO weeks until Christmas! Say it isn’t so!

Today is also my momma’s birthday – she would have been 70 today! Cue the confetti bombs in Heaven!

In honor of my sweet mom and the glitzy, Christmas-loving woman she was, I’m sharing a few favorites that I think she would have appreciated.

  1. She would have worn these amazing Green/Gold Tree Earrings at a local shop: Just The Thing every day of December!

2. She wouldn’t have worn this headband from J.Crew because she loved her big hair, but I LOVE it {and all their headbands!} and the bling certainly would have caught her eye!

3. She would go bonkers over all the glitters available at Color Street! The woman loved to have her nails done and these would have been in her stash!

4. Not only was she a woman who loved her bling, she also loved some leopard/cheetah/animal print. I recently purchased these D’Orsay Pumps from J.Crew…and they go with EVERYTHING.

5. Okay, so maybe she would have never worn one of these, but she definitely would have enjoyed the versatility of these Pick-a-beanie + Pick-a-pom options from Anthropologie. She would have at least encouraged me to get one…I’m hoping to find one under the tree {hint*hint*}.

6. Back to glitzy things Mom would have LOVED…these gorgeous and fun bracelets made by my sweet friend Jenny – Wood and Clay Designs – would have been on her wrist every day!

7. Wrapping things up for this week’s Friday Favorites are these fancy masks found on Amazon, because if we have to wear masks, why not have some fun with them! And you bet Mary would have worn a glitter one!

8. And this fabulous Christmas tote bag from Mud Pie because all things from Mud Pie are fabulous. I know without a doubt I would have found a bag like this sitting in the kitchen next to her purse <3

Now if you’ve made it all the way to the end, yay! I have a giveaway! Comment on this post and Tuesday, December 15th I’ll do a drawing for a Lip Butter from EverBe. They were featured in my Friday Favorites post in October and I cannot wait for you to win one!

Happy shopping and until next time…

On Being Overwhelmed and Anxious…

December 9, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom, Faith, Life Leave a Comment

Yesterday I wrote a post summarizing part of a seminar/conference I got to participate in on Monday. In that post I spoke a little about being overwhelmed and/or anxious. Whether it’s related to the events of 2020 or not, we can all experience these emotions, physical paralysis and and other effects from either or both of these conditions.

Side note, I am no doctor, counselor or anything else with an advanced degree or expertise in these areas. I’m just a girl who deals with being overwhelmed and anxious from time to time, and these are my thoughts that follow.

I really wanted to ask first of all, what do you do when you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious? My big two are prayer and reading my Bible. Sometimes a walk or exercise helps me clear my mind. Other times it’s talking things out with either Andrew or my best friend Ann. I find when I hold it all in…like a ticking time bomb, eventually I’ll explode. And that’s certainly not ideal for me or those around me.

Let’s start with being overwhelmed. I for one can become paralyzed and distant when I am overwhelmed. You?
Churning in my innermost person of all the things that need to be done, but yet, I can’t figure out where or how to start. Sometimes it helps to talk it out with Andrew, so he can help me untangle that which keeps me stuck and then I start writing lists. The lists help me sort out visually the tangles in my mind and then I am able to realize that everything that needs to be done doesn’t HAVE to be done now or today or this week.
When I finally am able to muster the energy and determination to start, I’m in a good place…but it can take me some time to get to that starting line.

A simple phrase, that we all learned from Nike way back when, is “Just Do It.” And I tell myself this a lot when I continually procrastinate on something that I know would just be DONE if I would do it already. Hello, laundry.

When I am feeling anxious I remember that I am a child of the living God. There’s a card framed on my desk at home that I received from a former co-worker a couple of years ago that reads:
I am a daughter of the conquering King.
Greater is He who lives in me than he who lives in the world.
I know this. I believe this. I commit to live this. And because of this, I will live a life of victory that brings honor and glory and praise to my King.

Amen.

MY King. He is mine and I am His.

When I am anxious, most of the time it has to do with my lack of control. Anyone else out there a control freak? Geez. Isn’t it so annoying?! I hate being this way – it is the thorn in my side.
So yes, I can recognize, after some 20+ years of trying to figure it out, that most of my anxiety stems from not being able to control that which is around me. Mostly situations.

The question I often have to ask myself in these moment is, “Do I trust myself more than God?”

What a question, right? The answer is no. But maybe it’s a “no?” instead of “NO!” Anyone else struggle with that?

>Sigh.<

Could we remember together that God is good. God is sovereign – Romans 8:28. He is on the throne when there’s chaos swirling around me. He lives in me by His Spirit and goodness knows I am so thankful for that truth.

He gives strength for today. His mercies are new for each day. Sister, if you are struggling with being overwhelmed and/or anxiety, I encourage you again today to talk to someone. You are most certainly never alone, especially if you claim Christ.

Thank you for allowing me to share my heart with you again today. Until next time…

Tuesday Thoughts : 12/8/20

December 8, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith, Life, Planning Leave a Comment

Yesterday I had the great privilege to watch Cultivate Your Year Live! If you are not familiar with Cultivate What Matters – think goal planner for the super “type A”. haha. Raise your hand if you’re in that camp with me ๐Ÿ™‚
But seriously, I have really come to love the PowerSheets Planner and when I purchased my new 2021 planner back in October I also go the ticket to watch the live programming to be encouraged and challenged to make 2021 my best year yet!

I got to spend SIX hours with my sweet neighbor Laura, in her dining room, thinking and planning, stickering and getting creative. It was time WELL spent – figuring out how to make the MOST of 2021.

One of the interesting questions that was asked in the beginning yesterday was, “How are you?” and not just a passive question, where you just say “fine.” “great.” “kids are driving me bonkers but we’re surviving!” response, but a dig in and really think about HOW.ARE.YOU.

Almost every woman that was utilizing the chat box, and remember there were over 1,000 of us watching…almost every person who typed a response said either “overwhelmed” or “anxious”.

I tell you that for two reasons. 1. If you are feeling overwhelmed and/or anxious – because sometimes the two go hand-in-hand, you are not alone. Read it again. You are not alone.
You aren’t. Pick a friend and text or call her. Ask her if she’s feeling either of those and I bet you she’ll say yes. We are all in the same camp. Maybe especially with 2020, or maybe because of this season of life. But most assuredly, you are not alone.
Reason 2. Don’t let your feelings run your life. Maybe, don’t let your feelings ruin your life. “Easier said than done, sometimes”…amIright? I’ll be the first to raise her hand and tell you that I most often react based on my feelings/emotions. If you’re in that camp with me…let’s take hold of the thoughts, the feelings, the emotions of being overwhelmed and anxious and not let them get the best of us, or take the best of us away.

An exercise I’ve been working on lately is remembering to ‘take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.’ I sift the overwhelmed thoughts of “I can’t do this.” “I’m too busy/overwhelmed/stressed/anxious to think about/do that thing right now.” “I don’t even know where to start.” “I’m not capable of or smart enough to figure that out.” And I remember that HE has equipped me for that thing right now. I don’t need to be looking ahead to Friday when it’s only Tuesday. His mercies are new for me TODAY. Today. I can DO today.

Something else Lara of CWM told us, an example she gave, that I personalized and wrote in my 2021 planner is “Michelle, decide you can.” In my own mind and spirit I have to make a decision that I CAN. As a believer, I know I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

So, how are you? Be honest with yourself and tell someone else. Don’t hold all your emotions in, where no one else can see or help. No one can read your mind…as much as we wish sometimes they could or would.
Call a therapist if you are carrying heavy burdens. I’ll be the first to tell you that counseling has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Seeing a therapist is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. I’m a firm believer that more people should sit on the couch. ๐Ÿ™‚

All this to say, be real with yourself. Talk to Jesus and someone – a trusted someone and remember, you are NEVER alone.

Until next time sweet friend…

November 2020 :: A Recap

December 4, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Christmas, Life Leave a Comment

I started to title this post as “November :: Where Did It Go!?”
Because it’s gone, y’all! It’s December 4th and I’m like, “WAIT! I wasn’t ready!!!”

Not even half-way ready. Like a girl, hair wet from the shower I just jumped out of with a towel half-way wrapped around me to answer the door…I.AM.NOT.READY!

Bless it all. But December is here which means I get to sit down and recap November….which at the same time feels like SO LONG ago! I’m in some weird time-warp.

Alas…November for the DrewCrew as we call ourselves, was nothing short of fun and busy. I’m sure you can relate!
Our crazy orange-headed third child turned the big 4 last month and I wasn’t ready for that. Four years of his mischief, laughter {he’s got a fantastic laugh}, and stubbornness. We had a “ROAR-ing” good time with his dinosaur-themed party…

Andrew and I celebrated 10 years of marriage in the middle of the month and I’m still looking around wondering how in the world 10 years flew by as fast as it did. I have to tell you that without Jesus in our marriage, we would not have made it these 10 years. Truth. School, work, side hustles, three kids and a miscarriage within a 3.5 year span, my mother’s passing and the deaths of others in our lives; moving our home, moving to a new church home, the chaos of life can at times scream loudly. I’m thankful that Jesus’ beckon is the still small voice that can still be heard over the loudness.

We celebrated part of our day by hanging out on the pontoon boat at Lake Murray. The wind was intense…

We had Thanksgiving in south Georgia at my brother’s house and it was utterly delightful to be in his home with his wife and kids. To say we had a wonderful time is an understatement. My dad was also able to come spend some time with us which in itself was a tremendous blessing.

Some of the in-betweens were: soccer games and Saturday mornings in the cold have come to an end. The kids did great and I shared on my Instagram and Facebook that Reynolds won the Big Foot award on his team for having one of the strongest kicks! Eliza Jane was nothing short of FIERCE on the field! And Emory was…well, Emory.

We also did some Christmas family photos that I’ll share in the coming days – because my kids are so good looking :). We have decorated the entire house and outside for Christmas – because it is the most WONDERFUL time of the year. There’s no season I love more than the celebration of our Savior’s birth!
And on that note, I’m going to share with you this beautiful benediction that I read this morning. It comes from an Advent Devotional that the staff at my church has written this year…

Enjoy your first official weekend of December, and until next time…

Monday’s Muse :: Prayers

November 23, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Faith 2 Comments

Last night as I was trying to wind my brain down to the point where I could go to sleep, I thought, I’ll just pray.
It’s a simple statement, but the enormity of it misleads…

I’ll just pray.
As if praying is trivial…

I am a firm believer that the Lord wants to hear from us all the time. He is our Father, our Husband, our closest friend and he yearns for us to share our burdens, our excitements, our disappointments and fears. Just thinking about how often I call my best friend, and the conversations we have. That’s what Jesus wants from us {maybe not the gossip part…}. But he wants to be on speed dial. He wants to be the first one we reach out to for all the things.

Even as we pray and try to remember all the things in our prayers: giving thanks, acknowledging Him as Lord of all, confession, and petitions, you literally could be in some version or part of a prayer for a solid 24 hours. Especially in 2020 – all the pleading that we could do…

As I started thinking of all the people, things and situations for which I could pray I almost became overwhelmed. There’s so much. I debated even getting out of bed so I could spend a longer span of time in prayer.

Then I thought of this verse from 1 Thessalonians…

Paul is telling the Thessalonian people essentially, continually pray to the Lord; to be in a constant state of fellowship with God. And last night as I was lying there in my bed praying for various people, I could only think to myself, this is why.

You can’t just sit down at your morning table for your quiet time and pray for all the things in that short amount of time. I can’t possibly go thru all the people and things that need to be prayed for each night as I try to make myself drift off to sleep – someone is bound to get left out when I finally do nod off!

No, our prayers are meant to be constant…communion with the Lord. Beseeching Him on behalf of our loved ones and friends all day long. Bringing our burdens and laying them down at his throne of grace {and leaving them there for Him to deal with). Casting our cares on Him, while begging for His Spirit to lead…and praising Him for all the ways He cares for and loves His children.

May I not take praying to you for granted, Lord, but find joy and comfort in knowing that you are listening.

A couple of questions I have are:
1. If you keep a prayer journal – paper or digital?
2. How do you keep track of all the things that need to be prayed for, because as the day goes on I feel my list just keeps growing.

Until next time dear friend…

Hijacked – It’s Been a While

November 17, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Being a Mom Leave a Comment

There were several directions I could have gone with this post. I even thought about prefacing with a warning to read with your perkiest voice because I didn’t want it to sound whiney, like when my current three-year-old asks for something to eat because he’s starving….

But then I decided to completely switch directions. It’s been a while since I wrote about being hijacked by one of our kids ๐Ÿ˜‰ It used to happen quite often, when they were little and got sent home for all the things…

Well, Reynolds got sent home yesterday because he was coughing in class. It was a classic hijacking by one of the Lucas kids!
We are following all the school’s requirements at this point and waiting for a test result to come back before he goes back to school, hopefully and Lord-willing, tomorrow.

In the meantime, we are enjoying our cough-free home time together today.

This morning he had completed all his school work by the time I got home from Pilates at 9am. NINE am. He asked, “Momma, can we go on a walk?” Why of course! That’s what was next on my to-do list. ๐Ÿ™‚
He rode his bike, we took Bleu and enjoyed the cool weather together. It was a shorter walk than normal, when we made our way back into the front yard. I asked if he wanted to keep going or be back home and he said he wanted to put up his bike and go back out, walking with me this time.

He even held my hand…

Andrew and I could be super annoyed that he’s hijacked our plans and having to be home when he seems perfectly healthy. And honestly, if I was still working full time at my previous job, I would be completely stressed out with this twist in the schedule/plan for the week. But today, I’ve decided to embrace the fact that he’s home, he’s well {still waiting on a test result to prove that} and we are enjoying being with him. We have even watched Home Alone and Home Alone 2…because, why not?

Until next time, and hopefully sooner…

Friday Favorites :: Thanksgiving Edition

November 13, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Events, Friday Favorites, Life Leave a Comment

Y’all I can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is just TWO weeks away! So many people I’ve talked to in the last week have commented on how the first half of this year went by at a sloth’s pace – and seemingly got worse and worse as they days inched on, and now, we are less than two months away from saying “peace out, 2020!”
It’s really crazy. But, as the show must go on, so must the year!

This week’s, or month’s edition of Friday Favorites, I am sharing with you some of the things I love about Thanksgiving. Unlike some of you it is not my favorite holiday {don’t hate}. Christmas is my favorite holiday. However, I do enjoy a few things about Thanksgiving.

  1. My Momma’s Pecan Pie. There’s nothing like it; not a bakery-bought one can come even close to the deliciousness of this homemade pie. A few years ago my friend Aimee shared a homemade Amish pie crust recipe and it totally took Momma’s Pecan Pie to the ultimate level of desserts. Message me and I’ll send you both recipes!
Our nephew loves this pie so much, I make one just for him.

2. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. There’s something nostalgic about watching the parade as our kids play in the den and the kitchen is brimming with the scents of Thanksgiving fare. It takes me back to when I was a kid and my mom would be in the kitchen with her apron on, with all the burners on the stove glowing…sweet memories.
According to the world wide web, the parade IS still happening this year {thank you, Jesus}, although I’m sure it will look much different than years past. Check your local listings, but it should start at 9am.

Getty image.

3. All things printable for my kids {and some adults ;)}. I love having activities for the kids to color and keep them occupied so they don’t argue as much and get all in my hair! Here are a few of my favorites for this year:
Gobble Gobble
Mad Libs for Kids
Placemat
Pilgrims & Native Americans

4. Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without shopping, right?! I could tell you all my favorite stores, like Anthropologie, Loft, Athleta, etc. or I could be a good friend and tell you to write out your list now of all the things you want to purchase and set a budget. I know. I hate budgets too, but they are a necessary evil. When making your list of family members, friends, neighbors, etc. along with the items you want to purchase, don’t forget stocking stuffers and all those ‘little’ things that add up to big bucks! Sometimes I feel like those little stocking stuffers cost as much as the bigger gifts! And since this is a Friday Favorites post, I’ll tell you that we like using Mint.com to keep track of our finances. Now go make that budget.

5. Okay now we come to family time. Some of you love this, and some of you….well, we’ll just leave it there.
If you are lucky enough to spend time with family over Thanksgiving, here are some of our favorite things to do either before of after the tryptophan kicks in…
Go for a walk. I love walking with my family members because there’s nothing else to do other than talk when you’re on a walk. And sometimes this is the only time you can get some people away from devices or other distractions to speak words! This is where you may have to put on your listening ears if you’re normally a talker…
Find a nearby park for the kids to play or don’t forget bicycles if you are travelling.
Corn hole, soccer, touch football, badminton, horseshoes, croquet, hula hoops, jump ropes, frisbee…anything that can keep you moving and laughing in your own front or back yard.
If it ends up raining where you’re going to be {check the weather a day or two before!}, snag some good movies, puzzles, board games, decks of cards and UNO! Store smaller sets in an accessible basket for easy retrieval.

6. To round off this Thanksgiving edition of Friday Favorites, how about some lock screens? I’ve had my eyes on a few of these for a while now, wanting to share them with you. I love a Fall theme and if there’s scripture with it, well even better. Enjoy these:
Natalie Hilton
FBC Columbia Women
Kaitlyn Bouchillon
Emily Ley

I hope you’ve found something fun and possibly useful in this post – I’d love to hear from you and if you want those recipes, let me know!

Until next time friend…

Monday Muse :: My Little Yellow House

November 9, 2020 by Michelle Filed Under: Life 2 Comments

Almost eleven years ago I bought the cutest little yellow house, in the sweetest little neighborhood, across the street from one of the kindest men I’ve known in my life. Today I sold that cute little yellow house to a lovely older lady who’s been living in it the past two years.

I often don’t allow myself the time to reflect on situations, etc. so here I go and to keep from getting too emotional, I’m going to bullet point things for you ๐Ÿ˜‰

  • I purchased this little house on my mom’s birthday in 2009
  • Andrew proposed to me inside, after watching the final round of the masters on April 11th, 2010
  • We came home to this house the day after we were married
  • He and I built a privacy fence in the back yard
  • We tore down a dilapidated building in the backyard
  • We planted three flower beds, including the front flower beds which still contain some of my mother’s Irises and Daylilies
  • We added a stone patio
  • We renovated the guest bathroom – which included a bigger window
  • Andrew nearly lost a finger during said renovation and spent 5 hours one Sunday afternoon in the ER across the street
  • We changed all the knobs on the kitchen cabinets and spent hours debating paint colors
  • We expanded the master bedroom closet
  • We painted several of the rooms
  • We replaced the hot water heater
  • We replaced and switched the in-swing of the front door
  • My dad rebuilt the railing on the front porch when he and mom came to visit when Reynolds was born
  • Reynolds…my first born, was brought home to this sweet little house. We were so proud of his room when it was finished.
  • We made homemade pasta in that house
  • We stayed up way too late a few times with friends playing Mario Brothers
  • We celebrated birthdays
  • We played in the snow – like 8 inches one year the day after my birthday
  • Lily was often found across the street at “Grandaddy Phil’s house” when we got home from work
  • We took many walks down to the little lake and around the historic neighborhood
  • We would sit for hours on the front porch talking to Phil, especially when it rained….
  • Andrew chipped and putted in the front yard
  • I used to soak in the jacuzzi tub after a long day’s work
  • I could go on…

So many memories were made in that little house. I/we only lived there three and a half years, but the memories far exceed the time.

In case you’re wondering, we moved in July after Reynolds was born, seven years ago, because that cute little house was so far away from our work {a 45 minute drive}. It was one of the original houses we started renting out – truthfully, because it was so hard to sell – and thankfully, the sweet lady who has been living there decided she wanted to buy it from us.

While there’s a part of me that is sad to have sold it today, mainly for the memories we hold there, I’m grateful that it now belongs to someone who loves living there as much as we did.

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me today, friend. I’d love to hear about a place where you once lived!

Until next time….

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Hey Friend! I'm Michelle and the writer behind this little blog. Thanks for stopping by my little place of happy.

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Happy Saturday people!!๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฅณ Today is day 6 of Happy Saturday people!!๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฅณ
Today is day 6 of the @hopewriters #writingchallenge. I actually skipped yesterday because I felt very uninspired by all the things around me ๐Ÿฅด๐Ÿ˜ฉ and the prompt Fresh didnt conjure up anything exciting.
But. Today is a brand new day and we're off to a great start over here.๐ŸŒž 
Today's prompt is Rhythm...and being a lover of words, I looked it up to read all of the meanings. ๐Ÿ“š
Rhythm always makes me think of music and dancing, so today's pic is of my feet.๐Ÿคฉ I'm no professional dancer but I LOVE to dance. We almost always have music playing in our house and twirling is a constant. Eliza Jane takes dance lessons and Reynolds is hoping to jump into a hip hop class at the same studio.๐Ÿ•บ Andrew and I took dance lessons for a little over a year, until the world shut down last year. So dancing is in our veins. 
Along with dancing are repeated patterns and such is life. Patterns of waking and sleeping and the chores of the day. Patterns of food and seasons. Patterns of work and rest. Patterns of joy and sadness. 
There are rhythms all around if we are conscious enough to see them.
What patterns do you see in your own world?
#hopewriterlife
Day 4 of the @hopewriters #writingchallenge and to Day 4 of the @hopewriters #writingchallenge and today's prompt is simply: Twenty One.
21. A simple enough number. I pondered writing to my 21 year-old self and quickly decided that wouldn't be a fun time to reminisce ๐Ÿคช, so I scratched that idea.

I debated on sharing 21 ideas for supper but who am I to tackle THAT!? ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ
Maybe 21 books that I want to read this year? ๐Ÿ“š
What about 21 stores and shops where I like to find our home reno supplies? Nah.

I even considered 21 hopes for this brand new year we've just started but wasn't quite feeling it.

I landed on 21 adjectives to describe what I like about myself. Some of you may think, why on earth? Because it was hard ๐Ÿฅด๐Ÿ˜ฌ. Because it forced me to really compliment myself when I am my own worst critic and often speak negativity over myself. It took me maybe 2 minutes to do this, and for that I am thankful!๐Ÿ™Œ

If you were to write 21 adjectives of what you like about yourself could you do it? And how long would it take you? What would you write?๐Ÿ˜‰ Debating? Just do it ๐Ÿ˜˜โ™ฅ๏ธ
#hopewriterlife
Shine: to give out a bright light or a quality of Shine: to give out a bright light or a quality of brightness.
Today is day 3 of the @hopewriters #writingchallenge and the topic is the word Shine.
When I think of shining, its in a way that brings happiness, joy, excitement, expectation even. Like the sun rising in the east - hence my photo from Sunday morning when Andrew and I were in Kiawah. The shining I think of doesn't bring dread or gloom. When the sun shines, especially after a rainy day, we are thrilled โ™ฅ๏ธ and even relieved at times, that the gloom is over.
 
This is what I want of my life, my words and actions...I want to shine in a way, that people are excited to see/hear from me, as they are a bright star or the sun. Not dread my appearing ๐Ÿ˜ฉ (or God forbid applaud my leaving).

Lord, shine through me so that it's you they see. Not me, Lord. Not me.
#hopewriterlife #shine
What books are your kids into? Besides the Magic T What books are your kids into? Besides the Magic Treehouse series, R is really loving this dictionary we found yesterday while touring @lucasproperties newest flip project ๐Ÿ˜†๐Ÿคช
Man, I love this kid. 
#arljr #bookworm #dictionary
Progress not Perfection. I've heard this over and Progress not Perfection.
I've heard this over and over and I'm finally putting it into practice this year ๐Ÿ™Œ
Day 2 of the @hopewriters challenge and we're talking about Progress. So of course I've given you a blurry photo of my @cultivatewhatmatters
#powersheetsplanner January tending list.๐Ÿ˜† These are all the things I'm working on this month, this week and today...and some of my things are private ๐Ÿ˜˜
I will share I'm making progress in: spending less, eating less sugar, exercising more consistently, spending more time with my family and Jesus.โ™ฅ๏ธ

Progress is good...it's moving forward in (hopefully) the right direction.
How about you...what does progress look like in your life today?
#hopewriterlife
๐Ÿ˜„ This week I'm participating in the @hopewrite ๐Ÿ˜„ This week I'm participating in the @hopewriters #writingchallenge.
Today's prompt: New You...hence my "I'm at the hair salon" photo.๐Ÿ˜„ New You, New do ๐Ÿ’‡โ€โ™€๏ธ
We have a motto in our house right now, and I'm sure you've either heard or said it yourself: New Year, New You.๐Ÿ˜‰
We are saying it in our house for various and interesting reasons...from Emory wiping his own behind (he's 4), to Reynolds tying his shoes (hello, bunny ears) and Eliza Jane brushing her hair and pulling it out of her face (for crying out loud). And @theandrewrlucas wanting to run a ridiculous 650 miles this year...babe, you do you๐Ÿ˜˜๐Ÿ˜œ.
I can't say that I'm wanting a "new" version of myself this year. Or even that I'm wanting to start anything new, but I definitely want a better version of what I see, think, feel and hear. For me, I recognize it all starts with my time in the Word so this year's got a goal of rising early EVERY day to tune my heart and mind more into Him.โ™ฅ๏ธ Even on the days I want to sleep in, #firstthingsfirst.
How about you? New you or a better version?
#hopewriterlife
Probably one of the best, most fun, enjoyable and Probably one of the best, most fun, enjoyable and productive weekends we've had together in a while.๐Ÿ™Œ @theandrewrlucas you're the best of the best โ™ฅ๏ธ and most certainly my favorite.
Psalm 16
Headed for a much needed #weekendaway with way too Headed for a much needed #weekendaway with way too much stuff than the two of us need for 3 days but whatever.๐Ÿ˜… There will be golf and planning and yummy foods and prayers and walks on the beach and reading and strategizing and dreaming.โ™ฅ๏ธ
Thankful and expectant...life with you @theandrewrlucas is my favorite ๐Ÿ˜˜
Ephesians 3:20-21
#marriageretreat #lucasproperties #kiawahbound
It was a beautiful day to get the boat out of the It was a beautiful day to get the boat out of the water...and as I stood on the dock watching them drive away I thought to myself:
๐Ÿ›ฅI hope our kids know what an amazing dad they have. He works so hard for our family.โ™ฅ๏ธ 
๐Ÿ›ฅ I hope they know how blessed and lucky they are to be able to go to the lake on a random Monday.
๐Ÿ›ฅ I hope we don't take what we have for granted, because the Lord has been so kind and gracious, even when we haven't been deserving of a thing.๐Ÿ™
We've missed a few...but our family through the ye We've missed a few...but our family through the years ๐Ÿฅฐ

#lookingforthebrightspots ๐Ÿคฉ when taking down the tree...๐Ÿ˜ฉ
#christmasmorning #happybirthdayJesus โœ๏ธโ™ฅ๏ธ #christmasmorning #happybirthdayJesus
โœ๏ธโ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŽ„
#arljr #emoryrobertlucas #elizajanelucas
โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŽ„Christmas Eve 2020๐ŸŽ„โ™ฅ๏ธ Happy birth โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŽ„Christmas Eve 2020๐ŸŽ„โ™ฅ๏ธ
Happy birthday Jesus, we are so glad you came for us ๐ŸŒŸ 

#christmaseve #arljr #elizajanelucas #emoryrobertlucas #brynnhailey
O come all ye faithful Come let us adore Him O com O come all ye faithful
Come let us adore Him
O come all ye faithful
Come let us adore Him
O sing hallelujah
He alone is worthy
O sing hallelujah
He alone is worthy
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŽ„ Merry Christmas, friends!
Girl friends...if you don't have plans NEXT Saturd Girl friends...if you don't have plans NEXT Saturday, 1/2/21, please join us for a time to start 2021 with prayer and purpose โ™ฅ๏ธ
I personally would love to see your beautiful (masked) faces ๐Ÿฅฐ
Our initials are basically the same (my L and S re Our initials are basically the same (my L and S reversed), she wore an apron much like this, and today I'm wearing her Santa ๐ŸŽ… pin as I break out her Pecan Pie recipe and go to "camp Mary" in my kitchen.๐Ÿฅง
I'm so thankful for the many lessons she taught me...especially the joy of making yummy things for the people she loved, especially at Christmas ๐ŸŽ„ โ™ฅ๏ธ
#missingmymom #christmastime
We found the Christmas Star ๐ŸŒŸ!!!!! It was SO co We found the Christmas Star ๐ŸŒŸ!!!!!
It was SO cool! We drove to an old grocery store first to see where it was and then came back home with our eyes on it. What a magical and glorious experience!!โ™ฅ๏ธ๐ŸŽ„
Praise the Lord for His amazing Gift! โœ๏ธ
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17
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Cultivate What Matters!

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