Honesty.

I feel like I need to take a minute to be honest with all of you who may still be reading this little blog. 

As much as I wanted this little blog of mine to be a priority, it's just not. I'm such a procrastinator. I wait until the last minute to do just about everything. That includes writing posts for this little blog. Not to mention that I still don't have internet at my new place. I know, that's crazy. I should have it by next week sometime. So, what I'm saying is that I know I'm a slacker and I know I haven't given you anything to look forward to. I'm hoping to start posting again soon. I've got several projects that I've done, recipes and some workout stuff that I am excited to share!

Hopefully, I can catch up with all of you soon!!

Have a Merry Christmas, y'all!

Breakups Suck.

Breakups suck. Everyone has been through at least one of these. And they suck. There is no other way around it. Then all the married/engaged/long term relationship people want to tell you that everything will be okay and you'll meet someone and fall in love again... Yeah, I get it. Everything happens for a reason, the feelings will fade, yada, yada, yada. Y'all. I GET IT. I really do. BUT it doesn't change the feelings you have in the moment. The worst part is feeling alone. Questioning everything you are, feeling like you will never meet anyone else, not knowing how to move on. Because let's face it, it doesn't matter who ended it or how it ended, they always suck.

I stayed in a toxic relationship because I didn't want to be alone. Breakups suck, but being alone is so much better than staying in something that constantly hurts you.  

"Being lonely, being alone, for many people sucks. I get it, I get it, I get it. But still I have to say that yes, my belief is that being with somebody who makes you feel shitty or doesn't honor the person you are is worse."

But I need to tell you what doesn't suck. What doesn't suck is when you finally do move on... What doesn't suck is being content with yourself and your life. What doesn't suck is meeting new people who make you feel worthwhile again. What doesn't suck is when all of those years and that stuff that was dragging you down starts to fade away. What doesn't suck is when you meet someone who reminds you that even though breakups suck, you're better because of it. What doesn't suck is when you meet someone who tells you that you deserve better. What doesn't suck is meeting someone who gets you. What doesn't suck is having hours of conversation and never being bored. What doesn't suck is feeling butterflies again. What doesn't suck is when you wake up and you realize that life is good and it still has so much to offer you. What doesn't suck is stepping out of your comfort zone, taking a chance and it paying off. What doesn't suck is knowing you have the courage to move on.  Being complimented, laughing, not having to explain yourself, not being questioned constantly, being completely yourself... none of those things suck. All it took was one date. One date with a new person to change everything. Nothing came of that one date and it doesn't even matter. At this point I know that I will never be the same again. I also know very clearly what I deserve and what I will no longer tolerate from anyone. Sure, breakups suck. But moving on doesn't. It's the best thing I have ever done. 

  Let go of relationships that are dragging you down and holding you back. Have the courage to take a chance, to take your life back. You won't regret it. 

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Here We Go.

I'm back, y'all! At least, I'm working on it. I will be easing back into things! I moved, and I still haven't taken that big exam I've talking about. (I'm a slacker and I hate to study.) But, I am going to start making this little space a priority again. 

Sunday was my birthday. I turned the big 2-6. Seems so weird. So far from 20 and so close to 30. Eeeek. I think most people struggle with 25 more than 26. 25 was great for the most part...26 really got to me. It's like I woke up and I was really an adult. Not only am I an adult, but I haven't accomplished any of the things that society tells us we should have accomplished by now. It got me down for a few days, but now I'm over it. Do I really want to be like the rest of the world and do things the way everyone else has done them? No thanks. Cheers to 26 and all of the fantastic things that will happen this year! Here's to building the life I want, not the life everyone else has. Here's to committing to myself. Here's to being happier, healthier, wiser, smarter and stronger. Here's to enjoying 26 and all that it brings my way!

I can't wait to catch up with all of you and see what's been going on in your lives! 

Happy Tuesday, y'all!

Trust.

I know I have been absent from the blog world lately. I don't have any excuse other than I'm just going through a lot and I am really trying to figure out where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be doing. That's where the title comes from... Trust.

I am really learning to trust God in this whole life process. It hasn't been an easy one. Just to be honest, I spent most of my time putting my trust in man... My family, my friends, my coworkers. I was constantly seeking advice and counsel from them instead of praying about things and patiently waiting for God to reveal the answers to me.

So, I ask that you all be patient with me. Be patient with my lack of writing, and be patient with this process. I am so thankful that you all have stuck around this long... And I promise, I will be back at some point... Things will be clearer and I will have so much more to offer the blogging world. 

Thank you all so much!

Happy Tuesday.

Reposting-Dating: Part 1

I am reposting this because I needed to remind myself of these things, and I thought maybe someone else could use the reminder as well...

This post has been a long time coming. This post is my heart. It took a lot for me to write this. I cried and laughed. I got advice and help from friends.

Most of you know that I am newly single. Yep. 25 and single. At first, I wasn't ok with it. I grew up in Alabama. See, here in the south, you go to college, graduate, get married, have babies, live happily ever after. That's not exactly how things worked out for me, and now, I am OK with being 25 and single. Don't get me wrong, I still have my days. But for the most part, I am really happy with where I am and what the Lord is doing in my life. I finally got to a point of surrender and it feesl so good to know that God is in control and no longer have to worry. So I wanted to share with you what I have learned in the last few years.

Two things you should know before you enter into another relationship: What you're worth & what you deserve. Do you know what you're worth? Do you know what you deserve? Not really? Well I am going to tell you...

The Bible is very clear about what we, as women deserve and how a man is to treat his woman/wife. YOU are beautiful. YOU are wonderful. YOU are a one of a kind. YOU have so much to offer.  And YOU deserve to be treated like it. YOU are worthy of every good thing this world has to offer. YOU are worthy of a man who treats you like you are one of a kind and his one and only. YOU are worthy of love and affection, flowers, love notes, whatever makes you happy, YOU are worthy of that. "The One" will know those things about you and he will think you are worthy, too. So many women, like me, are so "ready" to be married that they are willing to settle for so much less than they deserve. I almost settled, and I am so glad I didn't. This is what YOU deserve...

You deserve to be pursued- You deserve to be chased. Men are never too 

busy to get what they want.  If he's not calling, texting, asking you 

out, actively trying to spend time with you, he's not the one. "He who finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22

You deserve to be prayed for- "The One" will have been praying for you long before you entered his life. If he isn't openly praying for you, he's not the one. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." Ephesians 5:25.

You deserve a man who loves the Lord. If he's not pursuing a relationship with the Lord as actively as he is pursuing you, he's not the one. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14

You deserve to be respected, cherished and valued- You should never have to ask for any of these things. If he doesn't respect you, value you and cherish you from the first date, he's not the one.

You deserve a man who wants to be there- If you can't ALWAYS count on him, he's not the one.

You deserve a man of integrity- If he doesn't do what he says he is going to do in the beginning, he never will. If his words don't match his actions, he's not the one. "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked  will be found out." Proverbs 10:9

You deserve forgiveness. We all have a past. We have all made mistakes. We are all going to continue to make mistakes.  If he can't look passsed the things you did/said and the mistakes you made before he came along...He doesn't deserve you and he's not the one. "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also  forgive you." Matthew 6:14

You deserve to be supported- If he doesn't support you in everything you do, regardless how small the task, he's not the one.

You deserve honesty and truth- If you feel like he's not being honest or truthful, he's probably not. If you find yourself questioning him, he's not the one. 

You deserve a best friend- You deserve someone who wants to know everything about you. Someone who wants to hear your crazy stories, hold you when you cry, take care of you when your sick, and listen to you complain about your mother. You deserve that, and if he's not doing those things, he's not the one.

You deserve someone who shares your passions- Love animals? Want to adopt children? Volunteer at the homeless shelter? Love to blog? If he can't be passionate about the things you are passionate about and love the most, he's not the one.

You deserve someone who loves your family and friends- Your family and friends were around long before he was. They helped mold you into who you are. If he doesn't love them and accept them, he's not the one.

You deserve to be happy- If he doesn't make you happy most days, he's not the one. 

You deserve a peaceful life- If his life is constant chaos and he is bringing his chaos into your circle, he's not the one. 

You deserve to have an easy life- Everyday won't be easy. Some days will be work. Hard work. But it shouldn't be hard all.the.time. Especially in the beginning. If it is hard from the get-go, he's not the one. 

You deserve a secure man- You deserve a man that is so secure in himself that he delights in watching you prosper. If he doesn't love watching YOU shine, he's not the one.

You deserve to be complimented. If he doesn't compliment you and make you feel like the most amazing girl in the world, he's not the one. "Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." Colossians 3:19

You deserve to be prayed for, encouraged, praised, defended, honored and adored. There is no reason to settle for less. "For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her" Ephesians 5:25

It's easy to read those things. The hard part is learning to recognize who has those qualities and who doesn't. Watch for red flags. Listen for Gods voice. He will direct your paths. That little voice you hear saying"That's not ok." That's the Holy Spirit. Don't be so "ready" to settle down that you ignore His voice or these things.  99% of the time, people don't change. What you see is what you get. Marrying him isn't going to make him a different person, only God can do that.

You can find Part 2 HERE.

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!

His Plan.

Do you ever question Gods plan for your life? Do you ever wonder why he's holding you back from you doing the things you think you are so ready for? 

What if it's not God at all... What if it's you? What if you are in your own way? What if you fail to see the steps that god wants you to take? What if those are the steps he wants you to take in order to move forward?  What if you're holding yourself back? How many opportunities do you turn down or walk away from because its not what "you" want to do? How many times do you miss the chance to be a blessing to someone else because you don't feel like it? 

What would happen if you got out of your own way for one whole day... What would happen if you chose to see all the opportunities God put in front of you for a full 24 hours? How different would your life be? Would you be brave enough to follow His lead? Do you trust him? With your life? 

I struggle with His Plan daily. We live in a world of instant gratification. We want what we want, when we want it. That's just not how things work. The past few months have been eye opening for me. I realized just how much I am in my way. I realized that I am the one who is keeping myself from receiving the blessings that God has for me. Today is a new day and I'm excited about what is to come and I will wait patiently for His will to be done. 

I have been studying a lot and I just haven't had time to blog. I hope you are all doing well!

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!

-Jen-

Update.

Hey, y'all. I know, I know... I have been a total slacker around here. I had a 4 day weekend this weekend and I spent all 4 days at the pool. Relaxing and exhausting all at the same time. I got a great little, almost brownish, might be a tan going on. This white girl needed some serious color! ANDDD I got to hang out with one of my bests!!! We really had a blast and it was a much needed mini vacay in the back yard. 

On Sunday, my sweet, wild, hilarious, independent niece turned 2! I seriously cannot believe how fast time goes by when you are watching little ones grow up. She is one of the funniest kids I have ever know... Not to mention she's incredibly adorable! I am so thankful for her and I couldn't be happier that God chose me to be her Aunt!!

I watched an absolutely incredible movie this weekend. The Impossible. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend you do. Wonderful story about a family that were vacationing in Thailand when it was hit by the tsunami. It's one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time.

For those who prayed for my uncle, thank you! He is still in the hospital, but he is doing so much better. They will be moving him to a rehab center today or tomorrow. Laying in a bed for four months, without moving, is hard on the body. We just want him to be well again!

Hopefully you all had a fantastic Memorial Day weekend! 

Guest Posting!

Hey, y'all! I'm guest posting today over at All That Glitters! You should head over and check Rebekahs little space out! I'm posting about Encouragement! Who doesn't need some of that?! 

Happy Thursday, y'all!

Something You Love About Yourself.

Something you love about yourself.

This seems like a great way to follow Day 1. Todays truth is something you love about yourself. This one is

pretty easy for me... I love that I am me. I love that no matter who I am around or where I go, I'm myself. I'm outgoing, funny, kind and encouraging. I love that I have really grown to love myself over the last year. I love that I have learned that it's okay if everyone else doesn't love/like me, too. They don't have to. This world is constantly trying to mold us into stereotypes. Everyday, every where we go, someone is trying to change us. I love that I know who God created me to be and I don't have to stray from that or wonder "Who am I?" Don't get me wrong, I have some days that I struggle with who I am. I think we all do. And, I have some days that I wonder where I am going next... But because I know who I am, I know that my God will make a way for me. I might not always know what my purpose is, but I know what's in my heart. When I keep my eyes on him, the things of this world cannot deter me or change my heart in any way. Sure it's easier said then done sometimes, but I do my best. This world also wants to make us feel like we aren't enough just as we are.  That we can't do or be whatever we want to be/do. We are all enough in our own way. Today, I am thankful that I am who I am. Even if I am a little feisty, a little loud, and maybe a little over the top sometimes =)

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!

Silver Linings Playbook.

It's Thursday, and that means it's my last day of the work week. Well, kinda. I have to work Saturday...And Sunday Morning... But whatevs. My point is that I don't have to wake up early tomorrow. I'm pretty sure I will sleep most of the day... I might roll out of bed to have lunch at some point, you just never can tell.

I have never written about a movie... but I just had to write about this one... I FINALLY watched Silver Linings Playbook last night. It was fantastic. I laughed and cried and laughed and cried. It was probably one of the best movies I have seen in years. I really wish I had seen it in the theater. I could totally relate to both of them on so many levels. I mean, lets be honest, we are all a little crazy in our own way, and everyone handles situations differently. As my dad says "It takes all kinds of folks to make this world go 'round." 

Source: Uploaded by user via leli's on Pinterest

I think the best part of the whole movie, for me, was that they were both looking for something... they thought they knew what it was, but they didn't. Until it was right in front of them. They are both a little crazy...and they found someone who loved their kind of crazy, and loved them even though they were a little crazy. They both spent so much time fighting their own inner demons, and I think we all have some of those. The good, the bad, take it as it comes, would rather be crazy with you, than crazy without you kind of love. It gives me hope that there is "Someone" for everyone. Inspirational to say the least.

Source: Uploaded by user via Adeen on Pinterest

Confessions & The Zoo.

Tuesday Confessions. Why not?

1. I'm absolutely 100% addicted to Candy Crush. I admit it. I can't stop playing, or spending .99 cents on lives only to lose them all in in .634 seconds. But I can't stop. I don't wanna stop!! I get jealous of people who are on level one hundred bajillin and nine. I wanna beat them!!! I'm begging my Facebook friends for lives and tickets! If you are one of them, I apologize...But I'm going to do it again. Ha. If this continues, I think it could be a real problem.

2. I hate doing dishes. LOATHE dishes. I would rather give myself a shot. In the eye. Seriously. I would do the laundry of 4 football teams before I would volunteer to wash a pan or a cup or a plate, or anything.

3. I am not a morning person. I hate waking up. I really need two good cups of coffee to get it together in the mornings. Today was no exception.

4. I'm a procrastinator. Big time. I wait to do everything until the very last possible second. It doesn't matter what it is... I always put it off. ALWAYS. Laundry, studying, waking up, getting gas, buying gifts. You name it, I'm gonna wait to do it. I frustrate myself. Haha.

5. I love cupcakes. I have never been a huge fan of cupcakes or cake or icing, but one of my coworkers has a dream to own her own bakery. And her baking skills are beyond fantastic. Lucky for us, she's always bringin' in cupcakes. My expensive jeans? Not so lucky. They hang in the closet. Because I love cupcakes. And cakes. -She brings cakes, too.- Lucky for me, I wear scrubs to work and have plenty of sweats. Haha!

6. I have a very, veryyyyyy strong desire to pack all my things and move to the beach. Of course, I would have to have a job first. Maybe things will work out... maybe...just maybe there is a move in my future! 

7. I have a Backstreet Boys Pandora station. Yeah, I said it.

I spent Saturday at the Birmingham Zoo with my nieces!  I always have fun with the girls... but sometimes I really struggle with the whole zoo thing... I like the zoo, and I understand that kids LOVE it because they have no concept of "captivity". But it totally breaks my heart sometimes. Those animals can't possibly be happy there. I'm not saying they aren't well taken care of... I just don't think it's fair. It makes me so sad. I just wish I could free them all! Haha. I think I would go to jail for that. For now, I will just try not to think about it. Here are a few pictures from our zoo trip!!

Maddie and I got to feed the Giraffe!! That was actually really cool!!

Alexis was trying to decide if she was going to get in the water.

Sweet girls...Sharing the window and holding hands!

Talking to the Elephant!

Mr. Peacock was definitely showing off!

Pretty parrots.

Our Zoo has a really cool butterfly garden!

This guy followed us up and down the fence line! He wanted out!

Pretty Girl. She was just watching everything.

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!

-Jen-

Freely You Have Received.

Why is it that we always hurt the ones we love the most? And why do we expect to be so easily forgiven, yet find it so hard to freely offer the same forgiveness that we expect? Double Standards. And it's always easier to receive than it is to give. It's not right, but that's the truth. We are called to "FREELY" give. Just as we have received. We are expected to!! Matthew 10:8-Loud and clear, y'all.

Apologizing is always the first step, right? Why is apologizing so hard? Sometimes it's a pride thing. But most of the time... It's fear. I'm human. I'm always going to make mistakes. Apologizing implies change. Saying you're sorry implies that you were wrong and need to make a change so you don't do the same thing again and have to apologize again. I can't guarantee that I won't make the same mistake again. It's almost impossible. But, I'm learning.

I don't know about you, but I get really annoyed when someone has to constantly apologize for the same thing and constantly does the same things over and over again. It makes me feel like it doesn't mean anything. I always feel that if they really meant the apology, they wouldn't continue to do the same things again and again. I started to look at things differently...I asked myself just how many times I do the same thing, then turn to God and ask for forgiveness? I laughed. I do the same things day after day, and apologize and ask for forgiveness day after day. And it is freely given to me, day after day after day...time and time again. I'm still human. Mandi Mapes says it best... "For the record I'm a full time failure...I'm a high class screwed up mess, but you love me just because." I don't always get it right. I rarely get it right. But I'm trying, y'all.

God forgives me every single day. Don't I owe others the same things that I am so freely given even when I don't deserve it? Absolutely.  

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22

Happy Thursday, Y'all!

-Jen-

Coffee & Conversation.

Okay, Okay. I'm a little late for this one.  I got busy yesterday and didn't get to finish typing this post out but I didn't want to miss this link up! You should go check two of my favorite Alabama bloggers, Lauren and Kalyn and join the link up!

Todays Coffee & Conversation question: What do you consider your two greatest strengths? What about the areas you would like to improve?

As I was growing up, we were taught a lot about spiritual gifts/strengths. I haven't taken the spiritual gifts assessment in years, so I am not sure what those are now. I think my biggest strength is my ability to connect with people. I have always been very outgoing. A social butterfly, if you will. I never meet a stranger. I still have my moments when I occasionally feel awkward, but I'm only human. For the most part, I can make friends anywhere I go. I love people and people love me. I try to be a light in every room.

My next strength is that I am extremely empathetic. Sometimes too much. Especially when it comes to those who can't take care of themselves. I have an insatiable desire to do things for others and take care of them. have a huge hurt that is constantly overflowing with emotions and empathy for others. I am a great listener, but my heart actually hurts for people. Or animals, or children, or the elderly. Commercials make me cry all the time. Haha. I love being able to relate to people on such a personal level, but this can also be a huge weakness for me.

I have two things I would really like to improve... I think we all suffer from the first at some point or another. I'm a procrastinator. Big time. With everything. Laundry, packing, school work, studying, cooking, shopping. Whatever. I do everything at the very last possible second making myself a total mess. Haha. I really am working on this.

This one is a little more personal. I have a very hard time walking away from things or people. I don't feel like I have to do this often, but even when something is totally bad for me, and it's hurting me, I can't just walk away. Because I am so empathetic, if there are other people involved, I don't want to hurt them too. I end up being hurt in the process because I didn't just walk away when I should have. I am really trying to learn to "Let Go and Let God". It's really easier said than done.

I hope you are all having a great week!

Happy Tuesday, Y'all!

-Jen-

Things Women Need To Be Told.

I'm going to rant for a minute...Sometimes, things just need to be said. Don't worry, there are only a few of them...

1. Ladies, I know we all think public restrooms are gross. You know what's more gross than the restroom itself? YOU. You when you pee allllll over the seat and don't wipe it off. Seriously. Just wipe it off. That's all you gotta do. I don't hover all the time. Sometimes, you just gotta sit down, and the last thing I want to do is sit in your teetee because you're lazy. Oh, and don't even get me started about how many of you don't flush the toilet. Sheesh. 

Source: Uploaded by user via coley carr on Pinterest

2. I know you have all heard this before. But for the love of all the eye balls in this world, Leggings. Are. Not. Pants. Unless you want to be one of the most pinned pictures on Pinterest, or on the People Of Walmart site, stop. Stop it now.  This is not an acceptable way to wear leggings. I don't care if you are 110 pounds soaking wet. It still doesn't look good. Example...

Source: google.ca via Becky on Pinterest

This is an acceptable way to wear leggings...

Source: outfitidentifier.com via Roshni on Pinterest

For those of you that are still confused... I found this little quiz for you. Read this before you leave the house. If not for yourself, then do it for the rest of us. 

Source: melbgirl.com.au via Jen on Pinterest

3. Stop playing dumb. It's not cute. At all. And stop posting half naked pictures of yourself on the interwebz trying to be sexy. You aren't. It's trashy. And once you put them there, they are there forever. Think about the kind of woman you would want your daughter to be... then be that kind of woman.

Source: southerndeltazeta.tumblr.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Eirinn on Pinterest

4. Our society sucks. Seriously. Stop defining who you are based on who our "society" thinks you need to be to fit in. A thigh gap? Is this really the latest trend women/girls are following? Stop reading the magazines and killing yourself to look/be like someone else. Love your curves and your glasses and your frizzy hair. Embrace every part of your being.  Be you. You were created perfectly. The sooner you accept yourself just as you are, the sooner you can be the best you you can be.

Source: apassingfeeling.tumblr.com via Isa on Pinterest

5. STOP JUDGING EACH OTHER. How can we possibly expect other people to respect when we are constantly attacking each other? Women and girls are mean. We are meaner to each other than to anyone else. Seriously ladies, let's get it together. Instead of beating each other down, we have got to start lifting each other up. Maybe, just maybe, when we stop calling each other "bitches" and "hoes", the rest of the world will too.

Source: taraburner.com via Carly on Pinterest

Okay. I'm done.

Happy Thursday, Y'all!

-Jen-

Happiness Is A Choice.

We live in a world that convinces us that we need this or that to "make" us happy. Our world tells us that in order to find real, true happiness, we need to follow the ways of this world. Be thin, buy this, eat that, travel here, make this much money, have this size house, be this important to this many people. The truth is that happiness doesn't come from any of those things, or this world. 

Happiness comes from within. People say that all the time. People say it all the time because it's the truth. 

Happiness is a lifestyle. It's a choice you make every day. It's a choice you make before your feet hit the floor. You can be unhappy that your alarm is going off and it's super annoying, or you can be happy that the Lord let you wake up to live another day. You can be unhappy that you have to go to work, or you can be happy that you have a job. You can be unhappy about the driving in the nasty rainy weather, or you can be happy that you have a car to drive. You can be unhappy that your lunch options aren't what you wanted, or you can be happy that you have lunch and that you aren't wondering where your next meal will come from. You can be unhappy that the woman in line in front of you is using a bajillion coupons, or you can be happy that you make enough money you aren't even worried about saving a buck like she is. You can be unhappy about your crappy cable service, or you can be happy you can afford cable in this economy. You can be unhappy that church service starts so early on a Sunday, or you can be happy that you have a place to go worship where you are loved, accepted and welcomed just as you are. See, it's a choice. Everything is a choice. Your happiness is in the palm of your hands. You get to define it. 

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 

Proverbs 17:22

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Happiness is not a feeling, it is a choice. To be happy, one must choose to be happy, not respond to a circumstance that now controls your happiness.”
Joyce Meyer

Source: m.weheartit.com via Jen on Pinterest

Choose happiness today. No matter what your options are, choose to be happy. I promise you won't regret it. And if choosing happiness over anything else doesn't work for you, well, then you can tell me I'm wrong!

Happy Thursday, Y'all!

-Jen-

Here's To That.

It's funny how it happens. One minute you're there, got everything figured out. Then. Just.Like.That. Everything changes. Everything you once knew becomes a distant memory. You fight, you cry, you struggle to find the words or force your body to make the motions that come with moving on. But somehow, you survive. You go to sleep and wake up again. Hopefully. Some never do. Luckily, I have. Yeah, everything changes.  And some days really suck. Some days I spend most of my time wondering why I didn't make different choices and what I would do differently if I could go back. It's hard not knowing where you are going or what your next move should be. But I'm doing it. Despite what I thought was true, and permanent. I don't think anything is permanent anymore. And I can't figure out why so much fear comes with change. If you aren't changing, you aren't growing. So why am I so afraid to grow? Why am I so afraid of what's next? My responsibility is to give every single day all that I have even if it's giving me nothing in return. THat's easier said than done. My responsibility is to not become complacent. To embrace change. To look forward to what's next even though I don't know what that is. 

So, here's to that. Here's to no longer living in fear. Here's to taking chances. Here's to accepting the change. Here's to praying my way through the tears and the struggles. Here's to giving every day my best, not just getting by. 

-Jen-

Coffee & Conversation.

I have been so out of the blogging loop for almost the entire month of February. So many things happening. Life has been crazy in every possible way. In the past few weeks I have dealt with tragedy, death, moving, and moving on all while trying to maintain my sanity. It hasn't been easy. Today, I am linking up with Lauren and Kalyn for Coffee and Conversation. You really should go check them up. They are both sweet little southern bloggers from right here in good ole' Alabama!!

This weeks question:

What are you most thankful for this year?

Wow. That's a loaded question. And the only way I can seem to answer it is by saying that I am thankful for seasons.  I am thankful that there is a time and a place for everything. I am thankful that seasons change. I am thankful for the hurt and the pain, but also for the love and laughter. I am thankful that no season lasts any longer than it should. I am thankful that every season happens just as it should. Life is good, even when it's bad... Those seasons make it all worth it even when it seems like we are at the end of our road. I'm thankful for life, and family and friends. But most of all, I am thankful for my Savior.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 
A time to be born, and a time to die; 
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 
A time to kill, and a time to heal; 
A time to break down, and a time to build up; 
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; 
A time to mourn, and a time to dance; 
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; 
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 
A time to get, and a time to lose; 
A time to keep, and a time to cast away; 
A time to rend, and a time to sew; 
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 
A time to love, and a time to hate; 
A time of war, and a time of peace. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Happy Monday, Y'all!

Jen

Valentines Day.

Y'all, I have been so crazy busy lately! I worked all day today so this post is late. I used Valentines day to totally relax! Aside from working all day! This year, I was so so excited to be a part of the Valentines Spread the Love Swap!!

I got my sweet package from Ashley! You can check her out HERE!!! I was so so excited to get home and open my package! I love, love, LOVE surprises!!!

PINK! I LOVE everything pink =)

Seriously, she did such a great job! I am obsessed with tumblers! This one is pink AND has hearts on it! PRESH! Sour Patch Kids are my fave candy ever!! Ummm, heart shaped cookie cutters?? Yes, please!! Precious pink pen and notepad!

I couldn't be happier!! I have used my tumbler everyday since I got it, and y'all know all that candy is already gone! Hahaha! I have the sweetest little Valentines, too! I am so blessed to have so many precious little girls in my life!!

I got the sweetest Valentines card from my youngest niece!

They call me AJ because that is so much easier than saying Aunt Jennifer. It took me forever to decide what they would call me. I love AJ and they both say it perfectly! But, they could call me anything and I wouldn't care!

UMMMM, Can you say adorable! Yes, I will always be her Valentine!!

Meet Violet. My best friends baby girl. Is she not?! I just want to squeeze her and hug her and love her!!

This beautiful little thing belongs to one of my other Bests and she asked me to be her Valentine, too! She loves her Jenny and Jenny loves her!  I mean, LOOK at those dimples!!!

 I spent Valentines day mostly alone. (I'm totally okay with that.) I caught up on all my shows that were dvrd and ate tons of candy, plus a surprise cupcake that my best friend brought me!

I have really had a great week and I hope that y'all have too! I don't have to work tomorrow (Thank goodness) and I have a few projects planned! I can't wait to share them with y'all!! 

Happy Friday! 

Jen