A Smackeral Of Life

I've been wanting to write about my story for months....but wasn't quite sure what to write. This is such a delicate subject, and not just for me, but I think for everyone on this earth. You simply utter the word "depression" and the mood changes in the air. It's a very real, very horrible thing that is on this earth. I recently watched the movie "Ragamuffin" it is a documentary of the life of Rich Mullins, the writer of many popular worship songs. Throughout his entire career he suffered with loneliness, drinking and depression. Watching this movie encouraged me to share my story that I've kept quiet for a year now. It's time to tell more than just a few people, it's time to share with everyone and show them what Jesus did in my life. So, here goes....my story, and not even my story, but a story that belongs to Jesus. ______________________________________________________________________ I don't remember how old I was, maybe 13, 14? ...

It's the most wonderful time of the year right?! There's hot chocolate, Christmas movies on TV, sparkling lights, a beautiful Christmas tree, family traditions, and tons of food! This is the time of year where everyone takes that extra step to be cheery and good hearted.....but, when we take a closer look, this is also the most selfish time of year. Sorry to burst your Christmas ornament bubble, but it's true. Let's check out some common Christmas phrases that everyone has been guilty of saying before... -This year for Christmas I want .... -You can't decorate the tree without me being there! -You made the cookies while I was gone? -This isn't what I asked for.... Now, those are just a few, I'm sure there are many others we could add to this list. Whether we've said them ourselves or we've heard others say them. The sad reality is that although we want to be good natured and celebrate with family and friends, we take this time and turn it i...

Let's be honest for a moment shall we? Having a Best Friend Forever is pretty amazing....BUT it is 10x better if your best friend also happens to be a family member!! Don't believe me? Let me show you a few reasons why :) Without further ado, travel down friendship lane with Morgan and me. Cousins and best friends <3 ____________________________________________________________ #1: You Grow Up Together Morgan and I are just about one month apart in age. So, when I say we grew up together I mean it! We were flower girls in my parents wedding, playmates every summer and still to this day guard each others deepest secrets. Growing up we fought....A LOT! (Don't believe me? Ask my grandma!) We were constantly getting in trouble. Whether I was taken home, or we were put into separate rooms we always found a way to play together again within 5 minutes. Our secret.....the air vents between the rooms ;) Trouble makers and smart cookies! And, if I happen to be taken home ...

So the past three blogs we've talked about modesty and what the bible says about it. I decided to do one last blog and make it a lasting note on how I've used modesty in my life. So without further ado....Here's my tips and tricks on modesty! #1: Let's get this over with ladies.....LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. Sorry if you don't agree but this is something huge to me. I use leggings strictly as something to wear under dresses that may be a bit too short or under jeans for extra warmth. If I wear them under the dresses I make sure that the dress still covers my butt. #2: You can still be fashionable and modest, but sometimes you have to compensate for things. Such as wearing a tank top under that V-neck shirt you like so much, or putting leggings under your short dresses. Another thing I make sure of is that my skinny jeans aren't too tight. I actually call them my "healthy jeans." #3: Modesty isn't just about clothing, as we lear...

Our third and final post on our series! Our first part talked about the different definitions of modesty and what they meant to me (to read Part 1 click here .) In part 2 we looked at what the Bible says about these definitions and how they focus on the different ways to show modesty (to read Part 2 click here .) Now today I'm just going to add some closing comments on how modesty has played a part in my life! Thank you so much for joining me for this series! Enjoy! ______________________________________________________________ Modesty is NOT always easy. With each passing year there are new trends and with each passing year  everyone follows those trends. As a girl who strives to lives in modesty, shopping can prove to be very difficult. But, if you want to dress modestly you make a way for it, adding your own fashion do's and don't's to the coming years lists. Now, just because I strive my best to be modest doesn't always mean that I am or that I'm always o...

Last week we talked about the different types of modesty. (If you missed last weeks Part 1, be sure to click here .) I added some cute little funny pics and GIFs and I also added, to each, what I thought those definitions mean. This week, I thought we should focus on the most important part of  modesty. What the bible has to say about each type! So, without further ado...Modest Is Hottest Part 2! _____________________________________________________ Definition #1-  The quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the  estimation of one's abilities So last week I basically talked about how this definition of modesty pertains to how we view both ourselves and others. Not wanting to raise ourselves up in order to gain attention or make ourselves feel better. Let's see what the Bible says regarding these things.... "This is what the Lord says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their ric...

If you couldn't tell by the whole "(Part 1)" thing, I've decided to turn this into a bit of a series. I was only going to give this one blog post, but after further investigation have decided to share a couple of different things on this topic. So, with that being said, I hope you enjoy my series "Modest Is Hottest." ______________________________________________________________ For this weeks look at our topic I've decided to view the different types of modesty. You may not know this, but there are different kinds. It's not just about how much someone covers up their skin or may not wear makeup, there is so much more. So, lets take a look. Definition #1-  The quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the  estimation of one's abilities To me, this definition talks mostly about my view of myself and your view of yourself. A lot of the time we think very highly of ourselves, putting us up on a pedestal and becoming our own god....

As many of you know, I lived in Haiti for almost 6 months. I learned the language, the culture and I learned of the poverty. I came to love the children, the women and the missionaries I worked with. Now, if you've been following along on Facebook or looking in on the news, you'll know that there is a hurricane going through Haiti right now. This isn't a long blog, merely just one to show you some pictures of the people and place that I love. Please join me in praying for Haiti this week and even longer than that. Yes, there is a hurricane right now, but Haiti is a constant hurricane of spiritual and physical battle between voodoo and Christianity and poverty and richness. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for this amazing place that has captured my heart! Mwen Renmen Ou Ayiti 

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: He believed in me." Dear Daddy,          There are so many things I could thank you for. The list would be so long that you'd probably fall asleep after the first 20 paragraphs. And so, knowing your love for reading is not as strong as mine, I have shortened my list to the top 5. These are from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you enjoy reading it :) So, here we go, 5 things I'd like to thank you for! I love you!     Sincerely,  Your 1st Pretty Girl 1) Showing Me What True Love Is I have watched the love you have for mom my entire life. You never fail to tell her how much you appreciate her and care for her. You have shown me the unfailing love of not only a husband, but also a father. You have loved me since you first saw me as well as AnnaMay, Ella and Mia. You are such a great example of the Father's love for us. You also have shown me love for other things, su...