Handling the Hard

 Throughout my life I've heard the question "how did you get through that" or "I don't' know how she does it". I'm NOT a superhero but I do have God. 

I've had some very challenging seasons growing up, caring for my Mama, living long distance from Ryan, stressful corporate career, enduring a year long military deployment and heart shattering loss. They were all so very very hard.

Ryan has been practicing emergency medicine for a while now working very long hours and mostly nights and weekends ... it has done me in so many times! This past summer he accepted a new position traveling out of state for over half the month. Our thought is it would be less days and more time at home but again more hard. 

These are just a few of life's challenges I'm willing to share here and I know you could share a big list with me. We ALL have hard!

How do we get through? GOD!

We go to Him! 

He will give us strength, patience, endurance, knowledge, wisdom and peace and so much more to put one foot in front of the other. 

Stop over and over throughout your days and give thanks for all things big and small.

Note: the hard time may persist and sometimes for a long time but He is with you, providing for you and protecting you!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; Isaiah 43:2

I've had several friends with challenging circumstances lately and even this weekend neighbors without power and the Western side of our state in devastating ruin. You still have hard but so do others.

Pray - there is power in Him.

Give - share your blessings.

I see that throughout my life God prepared me with skills and grew my character to persevere my hard times.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5: 3-5

Dress Beautifully in the Hard Times

XOXO Sarah Louise

Mamma Monday: Finding Stillness

Happy Monday Mammas! While this is my favorite day of the week, I didn't start off as my normal bright eyed and bushy tailed self.  I believe it's because the calendar is so full every day this week and  the tight timelines stirred up some uneasiness in my mind on how I'm going to 'get it all done'.
In fact, I wanted this post published first thing this morning, sigh.

I thrive on routine and my schedule is very important to me #typeA.
I am dedicated to the athletic conditioning class at my gym on Monday mornings but I was invited to  a 4 week bible study at the same time and I'll be very honest I did NOT want to miss my workout.  But I knew my soul needed the study more than my body needed the exercise (and I can easily go to the gym in the afternoon ). I absolutely adore learning, growing and fellowshipping at ladies' bible study but my attitude was not enthusiastic about this one. I do not know a soul, which has never ever bothered me because I also adore meeting new gals #extrovert and these are as lovely as can be.  Today was the second meeting and I think I'm still grumpy about missing my workout. I even truly debated skipping the study (who would even notice? they don't know me) and even threw it out to Ryan over the weekend because I knew he'd tell me to go.  And he did.
And I went.

Rather than write this post during my 5am quiet time, I prayed that God would direct my thoughts, actions and change my attitude about the change in my schedule. I knew that going to the study I'd be blessed and that God would use me to bless others. We are called to be a community and fellowship.  We can't share Him with others locked up in our homes.

Sometimes she needs me! 

And that's an interruption I welcome with open arms

I have plans. God has better plans. And I'm grateful He will interrupt mine for His!

So today, I want to talk about stillness and the importance of finding it.
Our world is spinning so fast and it seems like all we do is hustle like mad! There's so much coming at us over the screens of our phones, computers, televisions and even cars. We're all chasing a goal or some picture of achievement in hopes that it will bring us happiness, peace and contentment.

“Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10

Let's stop paying attention to what's going on in the world, and listen to what the Bible is telling you.

We are fighting to measure up on social media, fighting the comparison that's robbing us of joy and fighting to be good enough to everyone around us.

Go to God, be IN His Word and you will be enough and have ALL you need.

Mammas: My Mamma tells me, that her Mamma would tell her, to relax during nap time. And she wishes she'd have listened. We race to get as much done as we can while they nap but it's ok to rest! Let's wise up and listen to those that have come before us!

Here are some ways I find stillness:

1. Early Wake Up  - For me it's around 5am (no alarm clock needed I'm like a rooster) It's so quiet and no one is around to disturb! I start with a fresh mind and heart.

2. No Screen Time - it's encouraged to limit it for children but just as important for us. I used to go to my car during the work lunch hour to escape the computer and phone.  Find a secluded place and don't bring your technology. Give yourself a break from the world.

3. Break Up with TV - I've let go of several tv shows I used to watch. It has freed me from the time commitment to watch something that not only wasn't edifying but that I didn't even like but out of habit continued to watch.

4. Go Outside - Fresh air, soaking up the majesty of God's creation is renewing! Even if it's just sitting on a bench to eat your lunch, a short walk or lounging on your back porch listening to the birds with cup of coffee I promise you will have a better attitude!

5. Night Time Journal - End your days with reflection and gratitude.  It's easy to be discouraged by the things you didn't accomplish or by what's upcoming to be accomplished.  Keep a journal by your bed and write.  Write what you're thankful for, what your feeling, and/or your prayers. Write what's on your heart.

Dress Beautifully in Stillness

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Biblical Toys

Good Morning Mammas! Playing with toys and learning new things are the fun parts of motherhood. They are the things I enjoy most with Vivian Louise (right next to nap time! #truth).
Colors, shapes, animals and numbers are so important but what's even more important is for her to learn the word of God! #amen Now, I do realize she's 17 months old but I promise it's never too early to share the gospel with your littles. Taking them to church is great start.  It shows them that they are blessed with the privilege of worshipping freely and what it means to fellowship and minister.

When you teach your children about God through His word you're laying the foundation for them to build their own relationship with God.  It helps build in them character traits such as compassion, generosity, love, joy, patience, and sooooo many more!  These are all things they need in life and especially when playing with other children.

Toys, books and songs are fun ways to share the stories and lessons God has given us.
I promise you will also be encouraged by sharing the gospel with your littles!

When searching for biblical toys there are a plethora of Noah's ark sets. nativity sets and books. But there's so much more than just those 2 stories.  So I've gathered what I could as time allowed and hope this helps you add some encouraging and fun pieces to your playroom!

Our Noah's ark soft play bag - More options Here & Here & Here

Our soft first Bible - We received this one from our church at her dedication  - This book of prayers was a gift from a dear gal pal on her first birthday More books Here - Here - I love this one

Nativity Sets Here - Here - Here - Here

More play sets Here

We have this Song Book and she sings and dances to it all the time!

Dress Your Little's Heart Beautifully with Fun Biblical Toys

XOXO Sarah-Louise