Encourage

Saying Yes.

This morning, I received an email informing me on updates that have been made on this site that my sweet husband keeps paying for even after years with no activity. I could have easily brushed by it, but yesterday’s stirrings still lingered on my heart and mind.

It’s been 15 months since Bradley came to me with this massive size God dream to become a Chick-fil-A operator. I have only spent the first ten years of our marriage adjusting to the demands of being a production wife with his current media company. I am a twin, so it’s safe to say that I have never been alone which is a gift because I don’t choose to be alone. My preference as a social introvert is to have opportunities to be silently together. Ha! I hear how nutty that sounds, but I claim the crazy.

Since April, we have been In The MESS. Running a media company and being entry level employed at a local Chick-Fil-A while raising two daughters. We are officially in the messy middle of this glorious season of life. The most challenging aspect of our mess is TIME.

Last night, Bradley’s questionings were verbalized while I sat and tried to listen to the truths behind the emotions. The end was still the same, we will follow God anywhere without a guaranteed outcome. Obedience is consistently a hard decision. Its a choice that is made with the trust that the person asking is asking with our best in mind- even if we can’t understand how.

Almost seven years ago, I felt the whispers of In The Mess form in my mind. It still doesn’t make sense. I have no idea what the desired outcome could even be, but I do know that I will follow Jesus anywhere. I trust Him and that He has my best in mind.

As I encouraged Bradley to dig into his next shift at the restaurant, I saw this email for this site. Here I am, one more post in out of obedience. I will choose yes today! I will choose to believe that I could possibly encourage one other person to dig into the challenge in front of you with JOY.

Walk by Faith

Recently, I’ve really enjoyed getting outdoors and exploring. In the past couple of weeks, we have hiked up to The Indian Seats and walked on The Greenway. The journey up to The Indian Seats was beautiful, but the challenge it presented distracted me from soaking up the majesty all around me. I can’t help but think about how this can be true in life as well. We hit difficult seasons and get distracted from the gifts that surround us.

IMG_9265

While walking on The Greenway, I was determined to not miss what was in front of me. Miller was sleeping, so I took the path slowly and soaked in the immense diversity, elaborate details, and unhindered light. I had to look up to capture this picture and unfix my eyes on where the path was leading. I’m so quick to reach for control and strive to know what’s ahead.

If I’m being transparent, I daily face both obstacles. My days are filled with wonder yet simultaneously full of trials. I’m eager to know what the future holds and grateful just to persevere. My challenge for you and for me is to release control, place our trust in someone greater, and find our strength from the source.

IMG_0215

 

Find what’s beautiful!

In daily struggles, it’s easy to get fatigued and frustrated. Why can’t diabetes be a one and done kind of obstacle? I want something to beat! I want a break or a cheat day! I don’t know why I have to endure this disease nor do I have much control, but I do have choices. I have a choice to find hope, to choose joy, to make healthy choices, and to allow God work through my pain.

Here are a few quick tips that I use when I start feeling weary.

  • head to the gym or take Miller on a walk
  • gain perspective by making myself more aware of the needs around me (Typically, I seem to stumble across someone else who is overcoming much greater obstacles than what I’m facing.)
  • journal or just share my grumbles out loud (When I hear my complaining, I can catch when I’m feeding myself lies.)
  • count my blessings
  • treat myself to something that will help motivate me to continue making healthy choices

What do you do to help pull yourself out of a slump?

joy2

Menu

In_The_Mess