I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend and got to spend time with family and friends and enjoy a little rest. We took these pictures over the weekend, and I thought that I would share them with you guys. These are our little blessings, Eva and Ellie.

 Today I spent a lot of time thinking about what my next post would be. I came to the realization that I can come up with lots of ideas (some life-changing, others, not so much.) I also realized that I wanted a whole lot more for this blog than just my own thoughts and opinions. There is plenty of that everywhere you look. My heart for this blog is to be a God-inspired, grace-filled, encouraging source for anyone who is willing to read it. I don’t have any answers or magic fixes for anything, but I belong to the One who does, and I’m praying that as I journey with Him, I’ll be able to pass on the love and encouragement I receive from Him.

  There are so many expectations on everyone today. Women and men are “supposed” to be able to be and do a million different things, and most of them simultaneously, and do them all well. I spend most of my time feeling guilty that I didn’t accomplish all that I wanted or was “supposed” to do and depressed that I didn’t do it as well as him/her. (In case you are not familiar with my personality, we’ll just call it “performance-driven,” and leave it at that.) (smile) God has just recently started me on a journey that is totally challenging and transforming my relationship with Him, and my perception of myself. I am really starting to “get” for the first time that my greatness and “awesomeness” doesn’t depend on how well I do everything. It doesn’t depend on how many chapters of my Bible I read today or whether or not I parented perfectly or did everything right. It is all about what He did. Jesus’ total, perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that makes me blameless and holy and righteous, and forever in right-standing with God. (2 Corinthians 5:21) And it doesn’t at all depend on how well I perform! (Hebrews 10:14,18) That is so hard for me to get my head around sometimes (most times.) Yet, I am being liberated in finding my “ok-ness” not in me and my performance, but in His wonderfulness and total perfection! I’m sure it sounds like a lot of rambling, and most of you have probably already gotten all of this a long time ago, but I am so excited to be really “getting” this for the first time. I can walk in a place of rest, not striving, and when I realize what I’ve been given, I have that to offer others as well.

  I believe that this blog is supposed to be a “grace-filled” source for anyone who could use a little encouragement or just a reminder that we are not perfect, and it’s ok. He is, and since we are “in Christ,” we are too!

  I pray that you will find rest from striving, and fall completely on His grace and goodness, and that your strength will be renewed and you’ll have more energy and joy for this amazing life journey.