Quiet Time Basket

Good Morning! Quiet time is the most important time of my day.  It's time alone with no distractions that I spend with God in His Word, praying, studying and reflecting. 

In order to obtain this luxurious peace as a Mamma, I wake up at 5. It's not hard for me as I've always been a morning person, no alarm, I just pop up and start my day.  It also allows me to do other things like blog, exercise, tidy, etc ... all before Vivian wakes up. I do go to bed very early!

I recently received this basket full of gifts that I'm now using to hold the things I use during my quiet time.  This simple basket has been such a blessing. It's sturdy and a perfect size to hold everything I need.  Before my things were scattered from my handbag, bedside table and desk. Now they're all together in one place in a neat and organized manner (cleanliness is next to Godliness). 

The best part is that I can carry this basket to wherever I want to cozy up: outside on the patio, our sunroom or any comfy chair throughout our home.  I've even curled up in the rocking chair in Vivian's nursery when she's away. It's the most comfortable chair and the prettiest room.  I also miss her like crazy when she's gone despite often being desperate for a break, that's real motherhood for ya!

Here's what's in my basket and some suggestions for filling your own:

1. Bible - I use this study one.  It's too big to carry to church but perfect for at home. I love all the notes. 

2. Journal - I write down my thoughts, encouraging scripture and even questions to ponder. I also have a specific gratitude journal.

3. Devotionals - these 2 books 'Be Still' & 'Focus' are great! When I'm lacking focus or in between a study book they encourage me and keep me in His Word. They're also perfect for when I'm short on time or midday during Vivian's nap. 

4. Book - currently I'm readying 'Shepherding a Child's Heart'

5. Box - I keep blank cardstock to write down special encouragements, verses or thoughts and keep them there to revisit. Sometimes I pull one out and mail it to a friend. 

6. Stationary/Cards - I send correspondence every week, and by keeping the cards in my basket I can write to whomever is on my heart or that I'm praying for. 

7. Pens, Markers, Highlighters - I love to write! Lists, notes and scribbles to really put to memory what I'm studying. (I keep this basket put away and have taught Vivian that it's not for her to play with)

8. NO phone - this is something I would leave OUT of the basket.  I put mine on silent and in another room.  I feel strongly about this!

Suggested Additions ...

9. Blanket - It's Summer so no warmth needed but one could be nice to have for the cooler months or if you're cold natured.

10. Refreshments - maybe some snack bars, hard candy or dried fruit to enjoy.

Dress Beautifully in Quiet Time

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Happy New Year 2021!

Happy New Year! I can feel the world's hopeful hearts as we say goodbye to 2020, a year like no other, and ring in 2021 with optimism. 

Last year my goals were centered around being more giving, you can read my post here.

This year, my goals are centered around Purpose! 

With the overwhelming amount of influences around  it is easy for comparison and expectation to cloud. I want to be more intentional with what I do and share so that it's encouraging, inspirational and joyful.

I'm going to strive in 2021 to focus on Purpose over

1. Popularity - there's not a single person that doesn't enjoy praise and 'likes' but I don't want that to be my motivation. I want to be honest and genuine in what I share.

2. Productivity - I'm a type A gal through and through and my desire to do it all (utterly impossible) can distract me from the present. I want to welcome interruptions and cherish the moments. The to-do list can wait, while making memories can not!

3. Perfection - I'm not perfect, but I am made with a plan. I want to focus on what He calls me to be not what the world says. I want to stay true to myself, even the messy parts because those can be the most fun if you let them :) 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—

his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

In addition to being more purposeful I also want to:

• Practice a consistent skin care routine - I'm not getting any younger and I don't want to look like it!
• Drink more water - every. single. year. 
• Keep a daily gratitude journal - my Mamma gave me a blank book that's perfect for my thoughts.
• Organize & maintain my photos - the struggle is tens of thousands deep!
• Wear my wardrobe - style pieces I already have in new creative ways more than browsing the store/online racks

I encourage you to pray about what is best for you to focus on in 2021.

I also believe it's great to share with a friend to help you along the way!

Dress Beautifully in 2021

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Focus

Happy Monday gals! Today I want to share with you some encouragement on adding 'Focus' to our lives.

This year in particular #pandemic has added challenges we never could have imagined but by golly we can choose to embrace them with grace. 

Earlier this month I helped host my church's 3rd annual Ladies Retreat.  It wasn't our typically weekend away in the NC mountains, but a day at the church of fellowship.  When I was praying and thinking on what content to share with the ladies, the word 'focus' kept surfacing.  The unusual circumstances we are all navigating this year can easily pull our focus away from where it needs to be. 

We had a wonderful lady, Becky, come and speak to us with this subject in mind ... check out her blog 

Here's what she shared with us when it comes to Focus in our lives ...

We studied Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.^a
3He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness^b
for his name’s sake.

4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,^c
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6Surely^d goodness and mercy^e shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell^f in the house of the LORD

forever

So how can we find green meadows and still waters while living in dark valleys?

FOCUS on the person of the Shepard and on His promises for provision and protection. 

He cares for each and every one of us.

We will not want.

He give us peace and a still safe place.

He is fighting for us and chasing us down.

I also believe there is great ministry in fellowship!

These two have been by my side for nearly 25 years #bff

I've made a trip each month to fellowship with my gal pals.  There's something so refreshing about a little getaway slumber party! And a break from your responsibilities for some belly laughs is priceless!

I also welcome any and every opportunity to get gussied up!

I meet up with my MOPS group about 3 times a month, gather with my church family on Sundays and have a date with my sisters a couple times a month. I feel blessed to have champions in my life that not only bring me joy but that also challenge me. Some I don't get to commune with, like my gal pals from our military years, but I am so grateful that technology allows us to stay connected.  

This season's cooler temperatures have also made for fun family days outside.  

The world screams at us that it's about self and success.  

Let me share with you clearly gals, God did NOT create you to live for yourself, wealth and the world but for HIM!!! Love God & Love Others isn't a request but a command.

TRUTH: When we turn our focus on Him, the things of this world will grow strangely dim! 

We are prone to wonder, prone to leave the God we love. But He is our Shepard and will discipline, protect and stay near to us.

My prayer is that this post will encourage you to focus on Him in ALL your circumstances. I also hope that you find support and ministry in the fellowship of others. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him...

Things may not seem or feel good BUT they are for good! #amen

Dress Beautifully Focused on Him

XOXO Sarah-Louise