Friday Favorites: Don't Worry Be Happy

TGIF! These are crazy times we're living in gals. This was not my anticipated post (I was going to share my love of belts and give you tons of options) BUT I'm going to share it next week b/c this was weighing on me. And you can dress beautifully on the outside but no outfit can fix an anxious heart. Only Jesus can do that!

'Coronavirus' is the word on everyone's mind. What is it? What's going to happen? Do I have enough toilet paper? .... I stocked up several days ago whew!

"What if's" create a spiral of anxieties. Anxiety creates stress and upset NOT a solution.

I consider myself to be a strong faithful person but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about schools closing, the gym closing - basically the places we love and go to, my loved ones, the economy!! and my dear husband who practices medicine in the ER of the hospital and is practically living there these days.
I'm concerned my gal pals won't want to be near me b/c of my exposure to his exposure and the reality that he'll bring it home. UGH

Rather than freak out let's be trusting children of God and rely on Him! NOT the news #amen

Here are my favorite bible verses to turn to when I'm faced with the unknowns and worry ...

Matthew 6:25-27  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

Matthew 6:34  “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Psalm 55:22  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved

Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Psalm 121:1-2  I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 112:7 They will have no fear of bad news;  their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

Proverbs 3:5-6   Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Isaiah 43:1-3 Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good."

Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

When we keep our focus where it needs to be, on Jesus, worry has a tendency to melt away.

He blessed us with this life to enjoy ....

So Don't Worry Be Happy

DressBeautifully with a Worry Free & Happy Heart

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Perfect Plan with a Purpose

Hey Mammas!

Truth:  I have ALL intentions of writing a 'Mamma Monday' post Every. Single. Monday. I have countless things I'd like to share.

Reality: It never happens.

Here's why ....

I'm right where I need to be, with baby Vivian Louise.

If my younger self were to see me today - she wouldn't believe it!

You see, I was never one of those gals that just wanted kids and knew she'd be a Mamma. It scared me.  I'd worked so hard in college and in my 20's building my career, giving all of my energy into climbing the corporate ladder.  I also invested myself into non-profits and really developed my interests in fashion and fitness.

I also babysat a ton so I knew it was a lot of work.

When Mr was in the military we certainly avoided the topic due to the uncertainty (that became certainty) of deployment and our time was temporary. I was counting down our return to the city and my career. Also, the town we lived in still holds the status of the highest birth rate in the country (epic turn off!)

So when Mr encouraged me following his return from deployment in the Middle East I was filled with anxiety! It wasn't an easy road (we have a baby angel) and I had just started a new job when I found out I was pregnant with our baby girl.
That job turned out to be the most horrible work environment and growing a baby had me throwing up around the clock the entire 8 months! Traveling was the worst!

My last business trip

I share all of this because God orchestrated these series of events to prepare me for where I am now.

All the hustle I did in my 20's taught me hard work - then military realigned my priorities teaching me that relationships are far more important than status - then that horrible work environment taught me to serve where you are planted despite the conditions.

Vivian Louise surprised us all with an arrival 4 weeks early.  As soon as my water broke one of my first thoughts were of relief that I didn't have to go back to the office one more month! It was that bad!

As the days went on with my tiny blessing bundled in my arms, God really assured me that being with our baby, our greatest gift was where I was supposed to be.

LOOOOOONG story but the point is Mammas, he has a plan. A perfect plan with a purpose.

I always assumed I'd be back in the office following maternity leave.
And there are moments I miss the meetings, spreadsheets and definitely the clothes!!!!!

I'll be back.  Maybe in a few months or maybe a year.
But for right now, no salary could compete with her sweet smile :)

All day long I am grateful for her Daddy's hard work in providing for us!

Wherever you are, remember you're there because of his perfect plan and purpose for you!

My Dress | Her Dress & Bonnet

I'd choose being on the ground with her over being behind a desk every time!

Dress Beautifully Wherever You Are

XOXO Sarah Louise