been since I was a little girl. I can learn and grow through reading. I can express and release through writing. Both can be healthy escapes as well. Just a moment to get away from the everyday stresses of life. Cause raising these boys is hard work. Marriage is dedication. I love my boys so much. I love my husband so much. I know we live in a filtered, cropped, and highlight reel world. I'm so guilty of it too. BUT LATELY (and I am serious about this) I strive to be REAL. I strive to be AUTHENTIC. But I too CRINGE when my kids act out in public or I fail at something and people are watching. It's normal. It's human. We don't want others to see our flaws. BUT SEE that is where our strength lies. I have had so many conversations with people lately who relate to me because of my failures because I struggle. AND I DO. Others are encouraged because guess what I get knocked down but i get up again. I see other's people's kids. I know I'm not alone. NOPE not even a little. I recently had the best conversation with a parent and he was talking about character and gratitude. YES!!!! I was so moved BECAUSE HE WAS TRANSPARENT!! He gave me HOPE. I was encouraged by him. I start everyday with a gratitude list. I have done that for 15 years. I hope I am passing just a tiny bit of that onto my boys each day. Being ourselves and being vulnerable is scary and certainly risky. BUT OH IS IT WORTH IT!! Nay Sayers are everywhere. It's just life. I am a very positive person and encourager by nature. It is what GOD has called me to. Let me tell you how GOOD GOD IS. Last fall I did Dave's Ramsey's Financial Peace University with Billy. That same month my dog Nani passed away and my baby had stared Kindergarten just a few weeks earlier. OK GOD do you want me to go back to work full time or is there something else you have for me. This was my prayer. Cause unless you're paying cash for homes and vacations then you have debt. (Dave Ramsey's words not mine :) So I listened to HIS voice. That next week I joined my girl Ashley's team. It took a few months for me to start making an income. I stayed obedient and consistent. I love helping others. I keep seeking GOD. What I am doing is fun and it's working for me personally. The last few weeks especially have been huge for me and my family. I'll continue to ask GOD to help me be BRAVE and take risks. I will continue to step out in FAITH doing what is best for me and my 3 boys. And I will continue to RISE to the challenges of LIFE. On another note the boys started 1st and 4th grade. So far So good. I love being at MSA. We have many years ahead of us there. I am looking forward to the fall. I love baking and cooking and decorating. I love Coon Hollo and dressing up with the kids for Halloween. I love boots and sweaters and cooler nights. (HOPEFULLY) This last year has been an amazing year of growth for me as I continue in my Recovery, work my own BIZ, and show up for the people GOD puts in my life. Grateful heart.
