Wednesday, April 30, 2014

F I T N E S S


A few weeks ago I decided to really buckle down and find some fitness. What does that mean? It means this is another step in being intentional, my word for 2014. Finding fitness is scoping out an hour as often as possible to do something active. It could be a walk around my neighborhood, or some time with the weights at the gym, or playing a game with my nephews (Mama's, I don't know where you find your energy!)

I have a couple of goals with this fitness deal. First, that I can find the best time of day for me to be active. I've tried getting up early, I've tried late at night, and I've tried my lunch hour. None of those seemed to stick because of constantly changing seasons. I need to find the best hour for me to get my fitness on, in this season of life I'm in right now. Secondly, I need it. My body and soul needs fitness. While preparing for the wedding, I had the motivation to get in shape and I loved my time spent at the gym. I need that feeling back.

But speaking of motivation, I need that too. Some of life's happiest moments occur when you come across something beautiful. Something that speaks to you, shows you a bit of God's grace, and gives you a sense of wonder. I'm going to be looking for those little things while on my search for fitness.

I'll be sharing my findings on instagram, using #findingfitnessandbeauty (clearly, I didn't put any time into coming up with that hashtag. I feel ashamed but, oh well.) Follow along with me and share your own things you have stumbled upon while being active. I can't wait for us to motivate each other with our fitness and beauty search.

Friday, April 18, 2014

S E L F L E S S



It's never about me, or you. God doesn't call us to do something because it's easy, or because we're qualified, or because we are good at it. God calls us to do things that for Him that push us outside of our comfort zone, that are hard and challenging. I don't get to choose what glorifies Him, and I never will. Jesus was called to give his life for my sins, and even when he prayed to the Father to take away the cup that He handed him, he still prayed that God's will would be done.

That is why he is the perfect Savior.


A few examples of Jesus being selfless... John 5:30, John 17:5, Matthew 27:46, 2 Corinthians 8:9

Thursday, April 17, 2014

L E T T E R S


Dear Courtney,

It’s your sweet sixteen! This is a going to be a great year for you. I want you to know that I’m proud of the woman you are becoming. Growing up is hard, high school is hard, but you’re tackling it like a pro. There are a few things I want you to know, not so you can change things, but just to ease you. I want you to feel eased because you don’t feel that enough.

First, your hair is out of control. You know it, and I know it. But when I look at you, it’s not all I see. It’s not so incredibly massive that it’s outrageous. And in a few years, you will discover something to control it and your hair will become your favorite thing about you. So just hold in there.

Speaking of appearance, you look great. No, you may not be all toned up like those volleyball players you envy, but you still look amazing. In fact, I envy you now. A bit of advice: keep dancing every night before bed. Dancing makes you happy and when you’re happy, you look even more gorgeous.

You are doing a lot of things right, including being a great friend. These next few years you will go through a lot of changes and your introvert-self will blossom a bit. Stay true to who you are and take advantage of those social moments. Life becomes more and more difficult as you get older (don’t stress out, but sorry, it does), and your social calendar becomes less of a priority. Cling to them while you can.

Being an introvert causes you to hold back a lot of things that you are passionate about. Don’t let it. Be confident in the things you put your time into. As a part of the publications staff, you are going to have some opportunities and you need to take them. Don’t be afraid to volunteer for something because it will help you learn.

There is a creative side of you (you dance choreographer you!) that is bursting to be freed. Taking those opportunities like I mentioned will unlock that door. Let the ideas flow, pretty lady. The whole world is possible.

I know you have a lot going on, but it wouldn’t hurt to spend some time with your siblings. This may sound crazy but you could even invite them along when you hang out with friends. They love you and look up to you.

And lastly, your anxieties of finding a guy that likes you back – girl, let them wash away. It will happen.

Cherish the time you spend with your family and friends, work hard on your school work, and love yourself. These are the three things I’m requiring you to do as a teenager. Because I remember you very well and I know you need these things. Just keep swimming. (No, I didn’t invent this little quote, but you’ll start saying it a lot in about a year.)

Love,

Your 27-year-old-self

Friday, April 11, 2014

P L E A S E D .



A few months ago someone shared this quote on instagram or twitter or some other social media and I jotted it down in my sketchbook because it sounds so reassuring.

And today it hit me like a ton of bricks. Right there, in my own writing, I had an emotional breakdown, realizing that Jesus loves me no matter what. I can fail at every task I attempt and He will still be pleased with me. That's reassuring, huh?

Pressure's off.

Of course, that just makes me want to give even more of myself.

Share love. Share Christ.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Excel Flower Arranging


This past weekend we held the first Excel workshop in my own casa. It was small and intimate and a great way to get my feet wet for this new venture.

We took a really basic approach to flower arranging. Grocery store flowers are the easiest way to bring some life to your table, and our expert, Linda Tharp, showed us how to make a good selection, cut and arrange the flowers, and how to care for them.




I'm so grateful for these women who came to learn and the time we got to spend getting to know each other. Thank you all!

Sign up for future workshops here!