more love. less judging.

i find myself sitting her tonight. guilty. guilty of judging others and not loving enough. it is hard. because as women, it just seems to happen... like the filter from our brain to our mouth is turned off 90 percent of the time when it comes to judging others. we know that it is wrong. and that it hurts. and i feel bad right after i do it. and i have to constantly remind myself that i have not walked a day in that woman's shoes. i have no idea why she is upset. or why she is raising her voice at her kiddos or her hubby. or why she looks tired and a hot mess. you just don't know. so then i have to ask myself... then why do we do it?  if we don't want others to judge us, then why do we judge others? because we are human. and imperfect. and flawed. we like to people watch. and gawk. and make off the wall comments and think up stories in our head about how their life is so perfect or how much better we have it then someone else. it is not right. it is pathetic.

instead of judging we should be loving. we should be looking at other ladies with the eyes of Jesus. loving them like He does. praying for them when they look like a hot mess instead of tearing them down with our thoughts. we were put here on earth to do life together. not alone. and the more we judge, the more alone we are going to be. so we need to love. and love real and love big. and make it count. because you never know what that smile or helpful hand can do for someone. it may just make their day. in a big way.

so go against the grain. start each day anew. and remember... you are not her. you don't know where she has been, what her day has been like, or what lies in front of her. so instead... just love her. love her right where she is at, just like Jesus loves you.

trust me... when you start trying to really make this change (which i have been trying to do). you will see a difference. and you will start viewing women in a new light. and it will be a beautiful thing. because we shouldn't be against one another we should be for one another. just think about it. and like my momma always said - "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." instead- just love. because we need more love in this world more than anything else.

1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Love Shack

this year, on loveeeee day, reagan and i really talked about how a holiday is fun to celebrate the person you love... but it is just a holiday and nothing else.  we really agreed that it is so important to love your spouse big all year long, not just on a silly holiday. a sermon at church a couple of weeks ago talked about love languages and loving your spouse how God intends for you to.  it was so interesting to hear reagan's heart and how he needs to be loved and how i need to be loved.  we both know each others love languages pretty well, but it was good to have that conversation and check ourselves and make sure we are loving each other how God intends.  so needless to say... we enjoyed loving each other that day and doing special things to celebrate the day, but we also enjoy loving each other day in and day out... these are the days that may not be so glamourous but it has made our relationship what it is today and our love has grown stronger because of it.

i am grateful that i get to love a man who loves me unconditionally flaws and all. he is so good for me and helps me remember what life should really be all about.... loving others and loving God. it is that simple. grateful to have him as my partner in this crazy life... God knew i would need him to walk each day with me!

pictures from our valentines weekend celebrations: 

me and my sweet hubs have spent a lot of love days together.... he has had my heart since i was a junior in high school! 

my sweet man found out where i was subbing on friday and hand delivered flowers... he goes above and beyond! 

three of my favorite things :) 

um, yes. he nailed it!!!! #lovemesomekendrascott

every valentine's day and anniversary we always get a couples massage... it's a little tradition we have and one i look forward to every year!!! pure relaxation! 

day after valentine's and we are still going strong... let's rodeo san antonio! 

if you have never been here go.now.... their cooking class are so fun and interactive! we loved it and want to go back again! 

plate #1 : pan seared scallops in a lemon cream sauce. melt.in.your.mouth.

plate #2: pan seared steak with a fennel salad that had a lemon vinaigrette dressing. yummo.

loving our cooking class! 

and for dessert... orange pot de creme. heaven.in.your.mouth. #thankgoodnessmychallengewasoverbecauseiconsumedthewholething! 

love this man and all the fun times we have together!

love big friends!  and let those around you know how much you mean to them day in and day out! 

this is my prayer.

as i continue to walk thru each day this song is on repeat in my head and my heart.
it is my prayer. and a lot of times it speaks for my heart...when i don't have the words to pray, i just sing this song over and over.  it is beautiful. and will always remind me of this journey. God's faithfulness. my refinement. and truly finding myself in all this mess... and truly listening to who God needs me and wants me to be.
so listen to the song. and then listen to it again. and just let the words wash over you. you will be blessed.

thank you Lord for moving and changing me from within, so that my faith may be strengthened daily.

Oceans. by United. listen to it. i know you will love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw

much love,

gratitude

the Lord has shown me that I have a lot to be grateful for and I don't want to miss those opportunities of documenting my gratitude... because through the seasons of life there is so much to stop and be grateful for.

i love my Wednesday night bible study ladies.  they get me and my heart. and love unconditionally.  i have learned so much about God's word with them but also so much about myself. they are truly heaven sent.

i am grateful for a husband who cuddles with me in bed and prays each night with me before we go to bed. God is showing us it's the little things that keep us connected at the heart...

grateful for a dog who gives puppy kisses and follows me around 24/7... she is my shadow and i love that fluffy fur ball more than i ever thought i would.

i am also grateful for God's provision and His perfect timing.  He is opening doors that we never thought would open and it so awesome in watching Him move.

here is to gratitude... it is such a beautiful thing!

what are you grateful for today?

"Lord, thank you for stopping me today and allowing me to give you the thanks and praise for all you have done.  my heart is overwhelmed with the love and blessings you pour out to us daily.  You are so good. Amen."