Sisters (a.k.a. best friends)

My sisters know me better than anyone else. Seriously. They've shared my laughter, seen me at my worst moments, stared blankly at me when I suddenly feel like acting weird, and been there for me no matter what. I'm sure that all of you who have sisters can relate! I love those "sister" moments...precious times that I never want to forget. Ever. 

>> washing dishes, but somehow always ending up doubled over in laughter with tears rolling down our faces

>> listening to the Chronicles of Narnia while washing eggs each evening

>> studying hippology late into the night, yet for some reason not actually getting much studying done

>> just being plain weird....you can do that with sisters you know :)

>> working outside together, whether it be cleaning out chicken pens or weeding salad

>> grabbing my camera and dragging them outside for the "perfect" photoshoot

>> heart-to-heart sister talks with the older of my younger sisters

>> a quick trip to the little ice cream shop between errands and piano lessons (only guilty of that once...so far)

>> dancing around the kitchen with my little sisters just for the fun of it

>> encouraging each other in our walks with the Lord

>> training for a 5k together...running is always more fun with a partner!

>> watering vegetables in the garden, but getting more water on each other than on the plants

These are the kinds of memories that will last a lifetime. 

Sisters truly are a gift from the Lord!

Spring has arrived

I love spring.
The fresh smell after a long rain.
Waking up to the song of birds in the morning.
Tiny purple violets turning their heads to the sky.
New growth transforming the cold, bare ground into a lovely green carpet.
Warm sunshine that invites you to come outside and enjoy the weather.
Glorious sunsets that finish off the perfect spring day.

What's your favorite thing about spring?

This is my story...what's yours?

 
Everyone has a story. Their own special story that is all their own because it was written just for them. But sometimes we decide that we like someone elses better than our own and we try to squeeze ourselves into a mold that wasn't meant for us. Sound familiar? You may be able to guess where this post is headed from here, but I want you to know that I'm not speaking about this topic as someone who has got it down pat and has never struggled with it, I'm sharing this as a girl who occasionally needs a gentle reminder...

God has created us all with a purpose in mind...kind of like clock pieces. If there was a clock that was only made out of gears, and those gears were all the exact same size, it really wouldn't be a clock. And even if it was considered a clock it wouldn't work in the way it was intended to. There is a diverse selection of parts that are used in building a clock, and all of them are unique, made for a special purpose. When each part is allowed to do the job it was made to do, the whole clock will work as it's supposed to. The same goes for people. We are all different. We all have a special purpose. We all have a part to play. Can you imagine if everyone looked the same, acted the same way, did their hair the same way, and always talked about the same subjects? That's one way to make the world a boring place! God created you with unique talents and abilities, which is something to celebrate! He gave you those things for a reason and He wants you to use them to glorify Him. If we are constantly comparing ourselves to others we're not only going to end up discontent but we'll also miss out on some pretty amazing opportunities we could have had if we had spent that time serving the Lord.

I think that it's safe to say that this happens quite often in the blogging world, wouldn't you agree? We start comparing ourselves to others, and then try to be like them. Yep...that includes tweaking your writing so that it sounds just a bit more like hers, or trying to copy their style of photography, or maybe copying that blog design just because it's so unique. Your blog is a place for you to tell your story and display your style, not someone elses! Everyone has their own unique story to tell...so share yours!!

I'm extending a challenge to you...be the girl that God created you to be. You have been given a unique personality, style, and talents. Don't try to cover up those things and act like someone else - seek to use them to the glory of God!

This is my story...what's yours?