Belief

 To me, yesterday was the start of the new year. I felt like I could say hello to 2025 now that school, work and routine can resume. After taking a nearly 2 week break from my job, and other responsibilities there's pressure to produce on top of the weight of the new year culture of change and habits. 

I love goals! I make them daily, monthly yearly ....

But here's the truth:

JESUS SAID

"APART FROM ME, YOU CAN DO NOTHING"

JOHN 15:5

He didn't say it would be harder, you'll need better strategies, you can handle small stuff, just try harder .... He said we can do nothing.

As you reflect on your intentions, do you believe that He will provide, protect and be present?

I hold on to so much of what I want, that I realized I have some unbelief that is in the way. 

  BELIEVE IN HIM & HIS PROMISES

Dress Beautifully Believing in Him for Everything

XOXO Sarah Louise

2023 Word of the Year

 Happy New Year! I'm so jazzed about what 2023 will bring! 

I'm an eternal optimist, always looking ahead with enthusiasm - frankly I just don't see any other way. It's not that I am naive to challenges but that I know there is so much good that accompany them making the future exciting to see what's in store.

Rather than resolutions, that most often never come to fruition, I make goals and most prominently a word that I focus on applying throughout my life. I have found this very impactful over the past 4 years! 

Here are the posts from the past 4 years sharing my word and application  ...

2019's word of the year - Contentment 

2020's word of the year - Giving 

2021's word of the year - Purpose

2022's word of the year - Enjoy

Now, without further adieu, 2023's word of the year is ...

BEAUTY

1. Seek It 

It's easy to see a sunrise over the ocean, the valley from the top of a mountain hike or wild heron in the marsh and find beauty in this world. However it's more challenging to see beauty in relationships, circumstances and in hard times.

I want to strive to see the beauty in others, as God's creation, even when they are difficult and hurtful. 

I want to strive to see the beauty despite my circumstances not being what I want or expect.

2. Share It

Within my life I want joy, peace and hope ... who doesn't?! I want to share beauty to others with encouragement, my time & talents and as many moments of laughter as possible. Life is meant to be enjoyed and that's done best with others.

3. Create It 

I'm not an artist by the world's standards but that doesn't mean I can't make beautiful things. I want to strive to create beauty in my home with time well spent having fun, by opening our doors giving hospitality and by inspiring others with my creativity and compassion. 

I have other goals:

- drink more water (I've managed to fail at this my whole life - who knows maybe 2023 is my year) 

- Consistent skin care routine - I'm turning 40 this year!!

- Floss regularly 

- More dates with Ryan

- Take as many trips with Vivian as possible

- Give grace to myself when nutrition, exercise or schedule upsets occur

- Learn to play tennis - I plan to start lessons when Vivian starts kindergarten

- Decrease screen time 

- Increase reading

- Be proud of my body and wear the things I want to wear despite my insecurities

I encourage you to find a word to inspire your year

Dress Beautifully in 2023

XOXO Sarah Louise

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Gals!

So I realized earlier this morning that I launched this little blog 5 years ago!!!!! You know what they say, time flies when you're having fun ... or dressing beautifully heehee

I don't really do 'resolutions'.  I mean I'm ALWAYS setting goals and they're ever changing because life never stays the same.

Statistically people only stick to their resolutions for 12 days - very disappointing.
Personally, I believe growth starts in the heart.

I've been using this planner for nearly 10 years!

So for 2019 I'm going to focus on these things ...

1. Know Christ better.
Because, He has a perfect plan and purpose for me and I want to fulfill that in the ways that glorify Him.  I want my relationship with Him to grow and be a first priority. Giving ALL the gratitude to God.

2. People over possessions
It is so easy to love your nice things and God wants us to enjoy life and it's blessings.  But they are just things. Spending quality time and developing relationships with others is a great way to minister and be a blessing.  I guarantee you'll also be blessed!

3. Consistency
Having baby Vivian Louise this year rocked my world in the best way.  But because my focus was on her (I wouldn't have it any other way) I wasn't as consistent with a lot of things I love to do.  I thrive on schedule and routine but babies will teach you flexibility whether you want to learn it or not.
I worked out random times throughout the day (I still don't like exercising at home but I managed to sweat at least 5 times a week hitting the gym every chance someone could watch her), blogging happened when it happened (huge thanks for the readers that have been patient and stuck around XOXO), correspondence was spotty, our home went through complete disarray with our unexpected move and volunteering (I support 3 nonprofits) was slim.
Even with an extremely strict baby schedule productivity was low.
I did however manage to attend 2 semesters of bible study without an absence!
My hope is, now that she is 1, and will start attending some schooling I can have dedicated time to devote to my interests.

Whatever your focus is for 2019, I encourage you to avoid looking at the past or gazing too far in the future but rather be in the present! Cherish the moments!

And of Course,

Dress Beautifully in 2019

XOXO Sarah Louise