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! :)

What I'm Reading

Happy Saturday everyone!

Today, I thought I would share what I'm currently reading. These are the things that clutter (in a good way) our coffee table and my nightstand. I love to read and can't seem to get enough of it these days.

I really enjoy picking a book up in my hands--please tell me you know what I mean?! Nothing beats the smell of an old book and the feeling of the pages. I remember watching my grandma read to me. I would watch as her perfectly manicured hands would turn the pages. She had a way of turning them just so. Some of my earliest childhood memories are of her reading to me. I have been slowly collecting all of the books that she used to read to us. I can't wait to share them with Daniel and any future kiddos.

I attribute my love of reading to my grandma. I remember a time when I really didn't like to read. To encourage me, and my brothers, she would pay us a dollar per book--depending on how long it was. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I think she would be proud to see that I'm blogging. I know she would have been my biggest fan.

So, today, I wanted to share with you what I have been reading lately, in hopes that maybe you will pick up one of these books yourself!

Tip: turn off all electronic devices an hour before you intend to go to bed and READ. I find that I have an easier time falling asleep and I tend to have a more restful sleep as well. TRY IT! 

This first book I'm reading as a sort of devotional. Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliott is a compilation of the newsletters that she used to send out. She reminds her readers, time and time again, to focus on God and His promises by quieting our heart and listening for Him. I can't say enough about this book. I love that each letter is short and sweet. Elliott also has a way of convicting you without overwhelming you. When Daniel goes down for his morning nap, I grab a cup of coffee, this book, and my Bible and curl up on the couch for a bit. I love taking a moment to focus and start my day off on the right foot. (Also, to my fellow CCCers, I'm currently borrowing this from the church library, so if you would like it when I'm done, let me know--or you can find it there) 

Lately, the book that I like to read, right before bed, is the third book in the Mitford Series. Written by Jan Karon, these books follow the life of a grandfather-esk Episcopal priest (thanks Donna!) as he navigates the Lord's calling. These are fantastic books if you are looking for an easy read--I think that is the best kind of read right before bed. I love that the books are faith based, without being over the top. They are uplifting and quirky and you fall in love with the characters in the small town of Mitford really quickly. I highly recommend these. (CCCers, again, I'm borrowing this book from the church. The entire series isn't there, but most of it is!) 

Finally, I just got this book yesterday, but guys. Seriously. If you are a mom, you need to get this book. After seeing it referred to by a bunch of my favorite bloggers, I knew that I had to give it a try. No More Perfect Moms by Jill Savage offers up a great perspective on mothering. I can tell this is going to be a life changing book for me. I've only read a couple of chapters, but Savage really has hit home for me. She challenges the pressures that young moms often put on themselves to be perfect--doesn't that sound refreshing?! No more perfection?! Ok, I'm on board with that! Seriously, read this book. Just do it.

I'm always looking for another good book to add to my stash. Please leave me suggestions of books I can't live without reading! I'd love to hear what you have enjoyed lately! 

Saturdays

(Picture taken at my family's cabin, by my husband)

Oh Saturdays.

Aren't they just the best?

When I was in college, I would always look forward to Saturdays. They were a day that usually involved very little scheduling and never any classes. My roommate and I would often spend an absurd amount of time watching reruns of NCIS and crocheting. We would wake up, lumber into our living room, and each get snuggled up with a blanket--her in the papasan and me on the couch. And there we would sit for far longer than we would care to admit. I loved those days.

Now, Saturdays look a bit different. They usually involve big breakfasts and lots of family time. I might do some cleaning, while I have an extra set of hands to help me entertain the little man. The carpenter may tackle a job, or two, outside. The dogs lay around all day. And if it's a nice day, a family walk is usually in order. Once Daniel is in bed, Jonathan and I might watch a movie and have an adult beverage or two. Or just enjoy a couple of episodes of Parks and Rec.

I love Saturdays. No matter what form they come in. It's nice to have a break from the same-old, same-old of the work week.

What do your Saturdays look like?

Perfect.

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Cold and windy Saturdays

are meant for sleeping in

multiple cups of steaming coffee

snuggling on the couch with the dogs

and lots of blankets

good books that take you to another place

and a dinner and movie date--at home.