{picture taken from here}

Guys, I seriously just got back from trading in a clean house for an afternoon run with the jogging stroller. Those of you who know me, know that this is a HUGE deal.

Liz exercising instead of cleaning....woah.

I think pigs just flew.

Anyway, why this sudden change in priority? Well it's pretty complex, but so wonderfully simple at the same time:

God is doing a big, huge work within my soul.

Over the past few months He has been chipping away at my priorities for myself and replacing them with His priorities. I have been praying for and listening to His guidance for my life and let me tell you, it is so freeing. I don't have to worry about each day and what needs to be accomplished in it?

Sign me up!!

As God shows me how to be a healthier version of myself (both mentally and physically) I am learning that His ways are just so much better for me.

His yoke is easy and His burden is light.--Matthew 11:30

You would think that after everything we went through trying to get pregnant with Daniel, I would trust in His plan...but I'm stupid. Plain and simple. And I don't trust that He has a better plan for me.

But guys, this time around, I'm so excited to listen. As I have started to pour out my heart to Him explaining all the desires of my heart, He listens. He listens and gently shows me that His way is just so much better.

I'm all ears Lord. Please continue to guide me! 

On Being Present

This morning, I spent some time thinking about what I wanted to blog about today. Having a schedule of posting only Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays should make it easy for me to come up with things to write about. Unfortunately, sometimes I just don't know what to say.

The house was quiet as I sat down to figure out what to blog about. The carpenter was off at church for the men's breakfast. Daniel and the dogs were both curled up and asleep. All that could be heard was the sound of the dryer turning semi-wet clothes.

*Pause...I need to go start the washer again!*

Ok, back at it.

As I'm perusing Facebook, trying to come up with post ideas, I stumble upon this video. Go ahead, watch it. I will wait. :)

Ok. Before you say, "Wait! There are plenty of good things that technology has to offer!" (i.e. being able to connect with people far away, being able to find old friends, etc.), let me just talk this out and share with you what I have been personally dealing with.

First off, I agree, there are so many good things about technology. Would I be writing a blog, on Facebook, part of Instagram, and pinning to Pinterest if I didn't agree? No. I love being able to keep up with people and see what is going on with those who don't live close to me. What I think this video is trying to tell us is to not neglect those who are physically near you. Don't trade in time with someone who is sitting in front of you, for time spent on an electronic device.

God has really been convicting me of this lately. Much of my day involves reading blogs, checking Facebook and Instagram, and watching a show or two with my husband after the baby is asleep. I have realized that I am loosing so much of my time with my son and my husband, to use some form of technology. Because of this I'm able to keep up on those who aren't near me, but instead am slowly becoming more and more out of touch with those who I can actually reach out and touch.

Does that make sense?

I'm not here to convict you. I'm just hear to share with you what the Lord is doing in me. Two of the books that I have been reading lately (read more on that here) have really been showing me that my focus is being shared lately. Elliot and Savage have both written about being present in people's lives. That if we are able to embrace the reality around us, our lives will be better for it. That we shouldn't share time between two things, because the reality is that neither is getting the full version of ourselves. I don't want my children, husband, family, or friends, knowing only the distracted Elizabeth. I would love them to know that they are the most important person in that moment and nothing can distract me from our time spent together.

With that being said, I'm off to spend the day with my boys. I'm challenging you to do the same! :)

Mother's Day

I'm extra excited for Mother's Day this year. We sort of celebrated a bit last year--as Daniel was currently in-utero at the time. But this year, my celebrating takes on a whole new meaning. Having met our son and taken care of him for the past nine months, I have a whole different perspective on celebrating. I appreciate being a mom on a deeper level. I'm so thankful for all of the moms around me, because I have now experienced a bit of what they went through to raise their children. 

Holy cow. 

To those of you who are reading this that are moms: Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have sacrificed as a mother. May 11th is for you! 

I know Mother's Day can be a bit daunting for some of you. I mean, come Father's Day, I have NO idea what to buy Jonathan (other than ammo or a new gun ;) ). So, I thought I would compile a few ideas for anyone who is looking to buy a gift for a mother. 

1. A Magazine Subscription: 

Go on Amazon and purchase a one year subscription to the mother's favorite magazine--or at least one that you think she would like. I love to do this (making sure that the subscription is sent to their house) and then I usually head to the grocery store and buy a card and the current issue of the magazine. That way I feel like they are getting a little something to enjoy until the subscription kicks in. 

2. Personalized Stationary:

One thing I love, love, love is stationary. I blame my grandmother. For Christmas or my birthday, she used to buy me personalized stationary. While I didn't quite appreciate it then, I now realize how fun it is having something with your name on it. These cards from Etsy are a good price and a fun color! Don't have time to order stationary? Head to TJ Maxx. Their stationary area always has a lot of fun styles to choose from. 

3.  Birchbox

Ok. I have to admit, I have always wanted to buy something like Birchbox for myself. Birchbox is a subscription service that sends you a host of pre-picked products every month. You can choose from categories like body, hair, makeup, etc. Not interested in sending your mom beauty products, check out other monthly subscriptions here. 

4. Custom Journal

I chose this customizable journal because I thought it would be fun to put the mom's initials on here. This suggestion isn't just for the mother who likes to journal, this can also take the place of a card. I recently saw this idea and thought it was brilliant!  To summarize, each year the journal can be updated by the givee with pictures, sketches, etc. It's sort of a Mother's-Day-only journal.  Do you want something that's personalized that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...this is the gift for you! 

5. & 6. Trellis Earrings & Tiny Squares Necklace

Last but not least, let's throw a little jewelry into the mix. I love the simple elegance of the Trellis Earrings. And the Tiny Squares Necklace (which you can personalize) comes from the same artist who makes the necklace I requested for Mother's Day! (I would have suggested it here, but it's sold out.) I don't think you can ever go wrong with some simple jewelry. 

I hope that the above suggestions help if your stumped on what to buy the mom in your life! And if none of these seem to work, for the mother that you are buying for, I always think a safe bet is a personalized card and some beautiful flowers or a giftcard. The card allows you to write a thankful little blurb and the flowers or giftcard take the whole thing to the next level.

Happy shopping!