When you become a mom, you hear so often that you need to enjoy every minute because time flies by… overused advice, but oh so true! I am so grateful for all of the time and cherished moments we’ve shared together. Memories have been made, time has flown by, and though I don’t want to believe it, here we are… my daughter’s first day of Kindergarten. How can my first-born and little bestie, that I have spent every waking minute with since the day I found out we were growing our family, be starting school? I am flooded with emotions. Everything from excitement to sadness to loneliness to nervousness… but most of all, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride in who she is and who she’s becoming. If I could pass on a few important things, these would be what I would want you to take with you as you enter your Kindergarten class.
Faith & Encouragement
When you hear the name Tim Tebow do you think of a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and first round NFL draft pick? Or do you think of a hard working man who is living his life daily for the Lord with a charismatic and outspoken faith?
Tim Tebow. Some know him as a Florida Gator Heisman Trophy Winner and 2-time National Champion. Others recognize the name thanks to the 2011 “#tebowing” craze, where one takes a knee in a praying position and posts it online. Still others recognize him as an outspoken Christian with questionable athletic abilities, and more recently some recognize him as an aspiring baseball professional. Personally, I’ve always seen Tebow as an athlete who likes competing, but loves the Lord. Given his athletic talents, he has been given an incredible platform in the public eye and uses it to glorify God with every step and through every season of his life.
We are all waiting on something!
Have you ever had a time in your life where you needed to trust in God and His timing, but it just seemed too hard? Have you ever tried to make something work on your timing, not His, and it just didn’t work? Have you ever been so defeated that you were ready to give up? I have! When you are going through trials and struggles it can be hard to remember to put your trust in God, but that is all we can do. Trust in Him and His timing, His will and His way.
Do Good & Be Kind | Small Shop Spotlight : Good In Store
Every once in a while a small shop shines brighter than the rest, not only for their great items, but also for what they stand for. Our world can always use an extra dose of kindness and good, and for that reason, I am a huge fan of this do-good shop, Good In Store. Good In Store is owned by MJ Kocovski, a graphic designer, social media specialist, former teacher, wife and mom of 3 and an overall passionate person.
Urban Dictionary describes it perfectly:
Mom: The woman who loves you unconditionally from birth, the one who puts her kids before herself and the one who you can always count on above everyone else. Just telling her your problems makes you feel better because moms always know how to make it all go away. Even if you fight, know that she’s just looking out for your best interests.
When I became a mom everyone warned me: “life will never be the same again.” It always reminded me of the song – “It’s the end of the world as we know it.” I heard what they were saying but I didn’t truly know what they were saying until I became a mom 1,424 days ago. And it’s true, life has not been the same. It’s been better… better than I could have ever imagined it! Being a mom is truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life thus far!
8 Things I Have Learned In 8 Years Of Marriage
Today marks my 8th wedding anniversary, I can’t believe I have been married for 8 years to my college sweetheart! I am so thankful for all of the fun moments and memories, as well as the hard times and difficulties. We have been through college, more college, moving to Washington, moving to Kansas, buying a home, having babies, career changes, losing loved ones… I could go on and on. The beauty of marriage is that you have a partner to do life with. Someone to lean on in hard times and someone to rejoice with in the good times. Marriage is a beautiful gift.
Since today is my 8th wedding anniversary I wanted to share… 8 little gems I have learned in my 8 years of marriage.
Disclaimer: my marriage is not perfect… far from it actually. But, we are fully committed to one another and do our best to love, serve, and respect one another on a daily basis.
Today is my birthday and I am turning thirty… plus 1 year, YAY! I am not one to obsess on turning another year older. To me, age is just a number. What matters to me is looking back at what I have done with that number and being thankful and proud of my time spent here on earth. I have been married for almost 8 years, I have 2 little girls under the age of 4 and a very happy home… this is what makes me cherish each passing year. I want to look back and think that my time has been well spent (relevant). What a shame it would be to look back one day and realize that I didn’t make an impact, or that I succeeded in many things, but that none of them mattered, or to realize that I hoarded God’s blessings and didn’t share them with others.
I recently stumbled upon this fabulous article from RELEVANT Magazine – 15 Things to Start Doing By the Time You’re 30.
I know what you are thinking; “Jenna… you are turning 31”, and you are right. But it is never too early, or too late, to start working on positive progress in our lives. This article is all about the things we should be doing to improve life choices, use of time, and help prepare us for our future… yes please! Today, on this milestone day in my life, I wanted to focus in on these important things and make a change! Do you want to take that step with me?
I woke up this morning with a very heavy heart and overcome with sadness, and when I needed it the most… God provided the perfect song to speak to me. Trust In You by Lauren Daigle. I have always loved this song, but today it took on a deeper meaning for me. All of the words touched my heart so much and it was exactly what I needed to hear, as a reminder to continue to put my trust in God.
Sadly, a dear friend of mine unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind a loving husband and beautiful little girl. It has been a very emotional and sorrow-filled time for my family and I, and everyone that knew her. I know God’s plan is always perfect, but in times of tragedy and loss, it can be hard to understand what He is doing. I needed this song and this reminder to continue to trust in Him, even in the moments where it seems too hard. ❤️ If you are going through a tough season or struggling to trust in God’s plan, please know that He is in control, even in the darkest moments, and His way is good.
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.
Praying for peace and guidance for all of you today! God Bless! xoxo
Letting go of every single dream
I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I’ve tried to win this war I confess
My hands are weary I need Your rest
Mighty Warrior, King of the fight
No matter what I face, You’re by my side
When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!
Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There’s not a day ahead You have not seen
So, in all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less
When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!
You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation; the rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There’s not a place where I’ll go, You’ve not already stood
When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I will trust in You!
I don’t know about you but sometimes I feel selfish when I want to do something on my own, or for myself. But, Mommy’s need “ME” time. I am so set in my mommy-hood lifestlye that sometimes I forget that I matter too.
I always feel like if I go on a little getaway or even an afternoon out… without the family, my home life will crumble or a disaster will strike. Mommy’s, why do we do this to ourselves?! We do so much for our families and loved ones, that we too need time to rest, regroup and recharge. Don’t let the fear of ‘I don’t deserve a break’ or ‘I picked this thing called parenthood’, stop you from being you! God wants us to flourish right where He has us!
Today’s Outside The Frame : Blog Link-up topic is all about God’s Word. I have the honor of sharing my favorite MEMORY VERSE with you, something that is near and dear to my heart.
I am in a season of life right now where I am living in organized chaos, and I am finally comfortable enough to admit that it’s OKAAAAAAY! I have a hubby that is hard at work, two little ones running around messing up the place and then of course working from home and trying to fit my job in-between meals and nap-time isn’t always the easiest task… Not to mention ‘working on my fitness’ (she’s my witness… thanks Fergie-Ferg!)! Life has gone from normally busy to absolutely crazy in 2.0 seconds. BUT, I am so grateful to be where I am, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.