Straight Path

I was well on my way to wallowing in self pity a few mornings ago.

I was in the shower before work.  It was early; I was tired; there was a lot to be done that day and the next. Some things had seemed to hit all at once over the past week, and I was feeling weary, discouraged, and anxious about the future.  Sure, I told myself, it's not that bad, but this is a lot for me to handle right now.  I can feel sorry for myself, can't I?

But in the middle of my "woe is me" mindset, God flashed me a reality check.  No, really, the lamp in my bathroom started flickering for a moment, just enough to pull me away from my gloomy thoughts.

Enough to pause and be reminded that God. is. in. charge.

It was then that I realized- this is what the message I heard on Tuesday, on Proverbs 3:5-6, was all about.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Emphasis on the first word being trust.  With ALL of my heart.  Having total faith that God has a plan and a purpose for my life, even when it may not be as clear in the midst of trials.

Not leaning on my own understanding in the middle of whatever I am facing.  Looking to Him and saying, God, I'm not sure what you are doing with these situations right now, but I know how much you love me, and I trust in you fully.  Not relying on my own interpretations, thoughts, feelings, or that of those around me.

Acknowledging Him in all my ways. ALL of them.  Too often I can find myself in the mindset of "It's okay, God, I've got this one on my own," as if I can handle it by myself or only need Him in certain aspects of my life.

We're called to trust Him with all things- our relationships, our jobs, our finances, our temptations. EVERYTHING.  And when we do this, and place our full trust in Him, asking him to guide us in our decisions, seeking His wisdom, praising Him for His goodness, and praying for continued blessings in our lives and to others, He will make our paths straight.  

What a week this had been to remind me to NOT lean on my own understanding! By the end of my shower, I realized that God could not be clearer with what he's asking me to do.

Maybe you're experiencing trials in this season of your life.  Maybe you're feeling discouraged, weary, or anxious about the future.  Let's trust in God's plan for us, remember how much He loves us, and look to Him in all that we do, and He will lead us on the straight path, the right path, that He has for us.    

Better Tan & Better Attitude

I'm back.

Back, in the words of my roommate and travel companion, with "a better tan and a better attitude."

I'm convinced that vacations are absolutely necessary, and travel is good for the soul.

We get so caught up in the daily routine and stresses of life.  It's important to disconnect, take a little breather, and recharge your spirit once in a while.

So, Jenna (travel buddy) and I did exactly that.  We left real life at home and headed to Destin, Florida, for five days of a much-anticipated and much-needed vacation.

The sand was white, the water a perfect blue-green.  It didn't so much as drizzle any rain while we were there, and since it was mid-May, kids were still in school, so it wasn't at all crowded.  

We stayed at the Embassy Suites at Miramar Beach, which was a great choice.  All we had to do was cross a little street, walk across a short boardwalk, and we were on the sand.  You could see the ocean from the hotel.  But, we didn't have to pay beachside prices.  Not to mention scoring complimentary breakfast every day!

All day we were on the beach, soaking up the sand, sun, and sea, and reading.  Lots and lots of reading, which we both love and have trouble finding free time for back at home.  

We saved money by making sandwiches for lunch in our hotel room, and then after a day on the beach, we'd head out for a later dinner.  We had delicious dinners every night, but our favorite spots were Pompano Joe's (incredible seafood, great views right along the beach, fun atmosphere) and La Famiglia (delicious Italian that included fresh seafood-- an amazing meal, cozy, authentic little spot). 

The one thing we didn't do was check out the nightlife after our semi-late dinners, but hey, who says we can't read every night and go to bed by 11PM if we want to?  It was our vacation, after all!

Basically, in case you couldn't already tell, we had a wonderful getaway.  I'm rejuvenated and ready to return to life as usual.

Even though I'm already experiencing beach withdrawals...

You can check out my other vacation pics on Instagram. 

Thank goodness it's time for VACATION!

As I picked up my coffee order this morning, my favorite barista (or whatever the male version of that is!) said "Happy Friday and have a great weekend!" And I was more than ready to tell him, "Thanks- and I'm actually leaving for vacation this weekend!"

So, Friday, today you get a  double high five!

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1. I've reached a new level with my Starbucks.  I no longer have to say a word when I walk in; they see me and automatically start making my drink, complete with name.  Some might say this is a sign of a problem; I'm just choosing to be impressed with their customer service!  

2. Wine + sweet girlfriends. Quality Saturday night.

3. Historic home tour for a lovely Mother's Day.

4. Went over to bride-to-be Sarah's house on Monday night thinking we'd be helping her put together wedding centerpieces, but really it was her secret ploy to give us these adorable bridesmaid gifts.  Perfect for her approachig wedding weekend!

5. To this valet attendant, apparently "Carter" (my last name) sounds like "Harder."  I'm getting a new last name, folks.  

 

 

Are you giving Friday a double high five today, too?