Silent Night During the Chaos

This past weekend was one of the busiest I've had in a long time. Two weddings, a very quick trip out of town to give a talk, church, and several other things crammed into two days. I wasn't so sure I would make it through as I started Friday, but I did.

Sunday evening I had a wonderful experience of hearing God lead me and show me some details He wanted for our upcoming women's event. It wasn't an audible voice but just a feeling. I knew the thoughts going through my head wasn't me. There were moments that flashed back from the chaotic weekend and I could see Gods fingerprint through several moments.

How can God speak so clearly even in the midst of chaos and noise!

"Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright!"

I couldn't help but think about this song. During this season of advent and the expectation and waiting of the celebration of Jesus' birth, I'm sure that there was chaos and noise in the lives of people in Bethlehem. People traveling to be taxed, their daily jobs and tasks. 

But that night God was able to send His son that would change lives for an eternity.

Am I looking for God in the chaos and silence of my day? I know that I sure don't want to miss out on what He wants to share with me.

Let's spend this Christmas season getting wrapped up in His love and wisdom than the gifts we buy. May we be able hear His soft whisper.

Empathy vs Sympathy

If you have been reading my posts, at some point you've caught on that I love words. Words to encourage, learn, and create with. But also how I'm horrible with knowing how to use them in the correct context sometimes.

Empathy and sympathy are words that are usually universally confused or used incorrectly. Both are used to define your feelings concerning people. The difference is empathy is fully understanding the other persons situation or feelings because you've been there. Sympathy is having feeling of concern or feeling with the person because you care.

Have you ever went through a hard situation, phase, or time in your life and in the midst had trouble why you were having to go through it. But years later, a close friend or family member had to go through the same thing or something very similiar and you were the first person they called. They knew you could EMPATHIZE. You had been in their shoes before.

Yes, we can care and be there for a close friend who is going through something hard. But sometimes there are no words that feel right and we don't want to say the wrong ones.

I have had several moments that God was showing me that He could use me. When you are the person who has gone through something tragic or hard and with the help of God...... walked out on the other side. Walked out of the wilderness into the promised land. Someone needs your encouragement. Your guidance, shoulder, and words to help them know they are going to ok. That God is still there in the midst of the circumstance.

Are you using your story to help encourage and empathize with others?

This week I've had such a great and fun opportunity to do this with my fellow co-workers and friends while they have been administrating end of year testing. Since moving to 2nd grade, I have not had to deal with the huge weight and stress of these tests. So I decided that I needed to take all the energy I would have had towards the tests and put on loving, encouraging, and supporting my colleagues.

Sausage biscuits, fruit, and suprise cans. It doesn't take much to let someone know you understand and want them to know you love them.

Unseal the bottom of can and fill with candy.

Make sure to get a can with pop top.

Tape bottom, cover with wrapping paper, and tie ribbon on top.

Use something you have been through to help encourage others. It's so rewarding.

The Living Room book giveaway!

Last week I shared with you about a conference I went to in Atlanta called The living room. Three young ladies whom I now call friends and I are doing a book giveaway! You will love learning more about these girls and their writing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you do to unwind?

Pool side

Do you ever find yourself stressed and overwhelmed? Maybe by work, forever list of things to do, over piled baskets of laundry, and you just need a time a space to unwind? Where do you go and what do you do to unwind?

We are all at different stages and places in life. Students, newlyweds, mothers but we all need moments to catch our breath, be refilled, and take care of ourselves so we can do the tasks and things we are needing to do in running this race and pursuing our dreams. 

Whether you're a mom, wife, or single chick like me...... Sometimes we feel selfish in taking time for ourselves. There is always something or someone who needs our attention. But what I'm finding by listening to your stories is that in order to be the best us, we need to make sure and carve out that time for unwinding.

There are many ways I unwind and create space and time to allow my body, soul, and mind to be rested and encouraged. It changes with seasons and what I'm particularly needing at the moment. 

Spending time with family and friends, a chat poolside with my best friend, or like today.... Being at the pool solo. Reading, praying, and soaking up the sun.

Read some of this today and helped remind me why I'm doing what I'm doing!

There are some things to remember:

1. You are worth it to find time to rest.

2. Plan and carve out time so you're not tempted to decide you don't have time to "rest"

3. Taking care of you makes you a better person for others.

Sometimes it's the small things that can soothe a tired mind.

5 things I've been up to!

I'm back!! Thank you for your patience. I've missed being able to share with you and encourage you through this blog.

As most of you know I took some time off to focus on the women's conference I was a part of putting together and it's been hard knowing how to put into words all that's been going on. This week I plan to share some tidbits of what I'm processing.

So here is in a nutshell what I've been up to these last few weeks.

1. The Worthy of the Dream conference: our first event couldn't have gone any smoother. God showed up and showed out. I felt His spirit all around. The things our team prayed for that the women would enter knowing they had been prepared and prayed for, that every detail they would feel special, and they would be encouraged and reminded that their role in this story matters all were answered. I am still getting phone calls, text messages, or comments of amazing things Gods doing from this conference. We already have next years date set and working on our next event which I'll share later this week.

2. I've started a whole new adventure by taking foster care classes. I've just started and lots to process. I'll also be sharing more about this in the coming days. But one thing I do want to say is you never know until you move forward at what God has in store for you.

3. Preparing for end of school year and beginning of summer!! Every teacher knows these last few weeks are the hardest. One thing God is trying to remind me right now is: the kids are the point!! Not the paperwork, testing, meetings, frustrating parents, or stressed co-workers. It's the kids!!! I desire to spend these last two weeks loving on my kids and making sure they know WHOSE they are. It's easy to get stressed and frustrated! I did today!! But I hope I can remind myself to stay focused and that the kids are the point.

4. I went to a conference a few weeks ago and met the most amazing people. It encouraged me and taught me a lot about writing and this blog.  Stephanie May is the author of The Lipstick Gospel blog and learned so much from her. Her obedience in doing the conference gave me courage and helped remind to be brave as a walked forward in our own conference coming up.

ore to share this week!:)

5. While at the conference in Atlanta I was able to do a photo shoot to use for my blog and other 

events coming up! Lacee Peloquin is a great photographer and made me feel so comfortable in front 

of the camera. So thankful for these pictures to use in the future.

Blinders

It's the thing you should already know to be on the lookout when you're moving forward in doing something with God. Sometimes the excitement of walking in your passions you don't think ahead until its hit you right in the face! There is another force pushing, trying to derail us, and doesn't want us to succeed. The devil wants to crush our dreams.

This past few weeks I've had one distraction after another. It wasn't until this past week while talking with a friend and she said, "Breeze I don't want you to allow these distractions to consume you. You know the devil is going to send anything he can to distract you as we get closer to the conference. I couldn't believe I hadn't recognized it. He will use many methods.

Friends we need your prayers as we continue to run towards this dream, ministry, and conference! Thank goodness there is a force much stronger. God is on our side and we know He's already won.

He gives us life so we can live for Him and bring Him glory. So I'm strapping on my blinders that they use on horses to discipline and learn to focus on what's up ahead.

A calming presence

Do you have that friend or several who bring a calmness to your heart? Those who no matter the circumstances or time of day, you can be sitting with them and a calmness breezes in and takes over. I have several who have this affect on me. I love being around them because it lowers my anxiety, fill my heart, and gives me the encouragement that everything will be ok.

 I hope I bring that calmness too others. Some days I feel like the craziness that's in my mind comes out and spills onto others. I want to be a fresh breath of air for others. A "breeze" blowing away the hurt, frustration, and stress off others and leaving a calmness in their hearts.

In the busy of your day are you breathing life or stress?

Unrealistic expectations

This week has been crazy and busy! Thank you for being patient as I balance all the tasks in preparing for the conference. I also have a lot going on at school with us coming down to the last 36 days left, there are meetings, evaluations, and lots to cover before I send my kids to 3rd grade.

One thing that has really been hitting me a lot is expectations. Expectations of others. With teaching it comes in from parents, our administration, the state, and myself. I want to be the best teacher I can for my students. But let's face it, with teachers being evaluated by their test scores..... Does anybody care if I love my students, truly care for their well being. I'll never forget my first year teaching and was at a first year teacher meeting. One of the speakers was employed at our central office. He said, " I want you all to remember something. Good teachers have good test scores!" I remember getting in my car and crying!! Unrealistic expectations..... I could be the best teacher ever and still have a group of students who don't pass.

Performance.... How I'm a friend, sister, daughter, aunt. How many times do we go above and beyond helping others and it never fails that someone needed us to bend two notches more.

When you perform a task.....cleaning, singing, making something, putting an outfit together. When you've done your absolute best...... And you get no praise but what you should have done better.

I think it's being used right now to distract me. A dear friend reminded me of this today. The devil is shooting targets. Distracting me as we get closer and closer to the conference.

So tonight after I've had a day where I've not met many unrealistic expectations..... I am enough.

You are enough!!

Busy Busy

Hello!! I've missed you all! I really enjoyed my break and I can't wait to share and tell you all about it! It's another late night post! This week I've hit the ground running trying to get a lot accomplished in preparing for our conference.

Yesterday was so exciting seeing our website go live. She Dreams Ministries

We've already had a lot of feedback and more excited about registering. In the next few weeks leading up to the conference, you will be reading a lot of my thoughts and more info about the conference. Also, I'm going to do my best to continue to post each week day, but as my to do list gets longer, there may be a day or two I don't. So be patient with me as I'm learning to balance my schedule and put a lot of my energy towards this dream. Thank you for all your support and prayers.

Exciting News

Our website is up!! Go check it out! More on the blog this week! Can't wait to catch up and share more about conference!

She Dreams Ministries

And the Winner is.....

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out our She Dreams Ministries Facebook page for more information and giveaways.

Today starts my spring break! I'll be taking a few days off the blog to spend time with family and friends. I will post when our She Dreams Ministries website goes live. 

See you soon!

Are you giving life or taking away?

I've been reminded a lot lately how crucial it is to encourage others. Our words do only two things: give life or take away. No other choices. I know when life gets busy, when feeling stressed, or when we are frustrated at life.....it easy to allow all that built up in us to come rolling out of our mouths.

I guess that's what happens. What ever we have inside will work its way out. We think its hidden. Our insecurities, fears, hurts....but they shine out our pours. Most of the time landing onto our friends, family, co-workers.

My prayer is that we can allow God to make us a new heart and that His love shines above all else. 

This is my earnest prayer. I want to strengthen, build others up, and have a responsive heart. How are you doing at this?

Don't forget to try for a chance of free registration for Worthy of the Dream conference.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday Shout Out

I'm so excited to share with you this weeks shout outs! I love when God puts great wisdom from others in your path. I hope these encourage, challenge, and excite you like they have me.

Faith, film, and food is a blog by my friend Micheal Ramsey. He grew up here in Hayesville and now lives in Raleigh. This post is about order and it really has made me think a lot about chaos and how it brings in more stress than necessary.

Hannah Brencher is so transparent in her posts and I love how each one challenges me.

The Lipstick Gospel was sent to me by a dear friend and I can't tell you how excited I am because ill be meeting her and attending her conference in may. Me and 15 other women who I haven't met yet but I know are going to be dear friends. She is passionate about helping others know their story and how to tell it!! Please read her bio and how she got her title!:)

Grandfather Home is where my sister Jessica works and I've loved getting to watch her love her job and be such a good advocate for children in need of a good home. I'm praying and working on being more involved. More news on that later.

Bring Love In is an organization that my friend Diana shared with me and has helped in donating items to go in helping these families that they are helping. They work in helping prevent orphans by investing in families. Right now all their needs for a family sponsorship are being metbut as soon as there are more needs, I want to get involved.

I would love to hear your thoughts on these sites. Don't forget to try and win a free registration for the worthy of the dream conference. Ends this coming Monday! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Investing in Others

I can put others first by serving them. This was the focus point in my lesson with the girls I help teach Sunday mornings! I've been thinking about this concept a lot. We discuss how kids these days feel so entitled but us adults are in the same boat. We expect people to meet our every needs and leave no room for serving others. In every memory I've had of helping, investing, or putting others first.... I have been so rewarded. I hope for a servants heart and to look for ways to serve others. 

I Need Your Help!

Found a raining and dreary day when I woke this morning! But there was still a great excitement in my heart. Registration forms are making their way to women's hands. It blows my mind that I voiced an idea and dream in January and what has all transpired since then. I'm so excited!

So for your Monday challenge... I need your help. I need help getting the word out to your family and friends. I've created a contest to help motivate you to participate. I will have a winner announced next Monday. Winner receives a FREE registration for the Worthy of the Dream conference. So get to sharing!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Favories

Even though its Saturday, I wanted to share my Friday favorites! This week has been so busy with errands and catching up, but I've had some great things to share.

1. REGISTRATION is up for Worthy of the Dream conference. Head to She Dreams Minstries Facebook page to download a form. Or check in our website in the next week to see all about our conference, ministry, and registration. Shedreamsministries.org

2.  I love having a smell good body wash. I have found the Tone brand to be my favorite. These two fragrances are wonderful.

3. You've seen my love for julep nail polish! My April box was another great box of goodies! Two pretty summer colors and a pretty blush!

Now off to watch my nephew Maddox play ball!!

Busy days ahead

CAN I GET AN AMEN!!:)

My days have been very busy this week with catching up at home, running errands, and working on details for the conference. Teachers and students are getting the summer itch!! Sunshine and wanting to be outside has a way of bringing that out in us!

Summer is time I use to catch up with visiting my family and friends! Especially my nephews!

What are your summer plans? I hope you and I can use our time to invest in others and love on some people!:)

My view tonight while visiting The Browns!

Wednesday shout out

I love the thought of scattering sunshine wherever I go. Have you ever met someone for the first time and they leave you filled with such joy? I have a group of women I've had such the privilege of getting to work with in the past couple of month. She Dreams ministries exists because of them. These women fill me with hope, encouragement, and love everyday. They are wives, moms, talented career ladies.... And I'm so thankful for their love for Jesus and people.

 So today, they are my shout out. Please help pray for us as we continue on this journey and check out our Facebook page. Our website is going live VERY SOON!

I love you Diana, Heather, Kelly, Kristi, and Brooke!!

Not pictured: Brooke

It is well with my soul

The last few days have been beautiful! The sunshine and warm weather. Today I smelled mowed grass and it flooded me with memories of childhood of playing outside with my sisters. Spring always reminds me of hope. Through the winter and rough days.... We long for better days. But without winter, we couldn't appreciate the spring.

This past year has had it's highs and lows. I thought I knew how my story would go next. But God always shows me He has a great plan.

I hope you and I will not settle. He has written every word of our stories! I love stories and am humbled that He keeps calling me to tell mine and its just getting better each day. Not easier.... But exciting.

Forever Changed

Its been several days since getting to post but if you've been following me.... There has been lots going on! ELLIE is home! 

Brown family of 6 is complete! Words can't describe how this family keeps changing my life and heart! By their obedience and loving others, it challenges me daily to do the same! Getting to be with Lilly, Asher, and will for two weeks... We've bonded and nothing will ever break it. From story hour with Asher and will, and fun conversations with Lilly.... I will never forget it. Meeting little Ellie... Oh what a day! We all love this girl so much already! She doesn't know it yet but we are all going to be best friends!

Since being home.... My life can't go back to "normal". God is stirring something in my heart and I'm earning to know the answers. All I do know is loving others is my mission! I can't go back to wasting time. I am needed!

He is doing a great work and isn't finished yet! His story for me is so much greater than I could even write. Your story is too! Don't settle for what's easy or convenient! Be bold and courageous to say YES to His story for your life!

Shout out Wednesday

We have some great news around here! First, Andrew, Diana, and Ellie will be HOME Saturday! The kids are so excited!!! It's been so great to get to be with Lilly, Asher,and will! Today we went to see the Muppets movie after school. They really enjoyed it. Every night I read a story and tell stories of my childhood to the boys! They love it! Glad they think I'm funny!

Registration will be opening up next week for our conference!!! It's really becoming real! If you haven't gone and liked our Facebook page, please do. She Dreams Ministries.

It Takes A Village

I never truly understood this African proverb until today. I actually heard it a lot when we were in Africa and would watch parents and older kids just taking care of everyone's kids as we worked. Sometimes you couldn't figure out who their real moms were. They all loved and watched after each other.

I experienced that first hand today. We are in round 2 of me staying with the browns as Andrew has gone back to Ethiopia to be with Diana and baby Ellie. If things go as planned and how we are praying, then we hope for them to be home by this weekend.

So today after school we had back to back ball practices, homework, kids to feed, and errands.

But oh how awesome to watch the village of people who love God and love the browns come together to help. I had help in getting boys to practice, as I was helping with homework, family and friends came to feed us, clean, work on laundry, and paint and work on Ellie's room.

It takes a Village!!

This is the meaning of our church.... The Village. We are called to love God and love people. Man did we feel loved today. I pray Diana, Andrew, and Ellie are feeling it miles away.

Are you a part of a village? What role are you working in? Sometimes it's places we'd never expect to serve and LOVE IT!!

The kids and I wore our letter E today to remind us and others to pray that Ellie gets to come home soon! She has a village here waiting to love on her!

Friday favorites

I love getting to come home on Friday's and just relax! Lately my Fridays have been my nights to catch up on laundry and just be. I know that sounds lame, but I think everyone needs a time to just relax and rest. It's crucial for me and gives me the energy to get the things I need to accomplish.

Here are my Friday favorites!!!

These spring colors came this past week! I can't wait to try them out. Go check out Julep site. You can get a free box sent to check it out. I love the nail polish. It goes on thick.

My Simplified planner arrived this week and I am on cloud 9!! I love how sturdy it is and easy to fold over. With lots of dates and lists to remember, this has already come in handy.

I love my new 31 bag! The spring colors are pretty and I love having our new ministry She Dreams 

on it. It's been so useful and I love the length of the handles.

I have needed a new foundation for quite awhile. I used to always use Clinique but in the past year my skin gets really dry. So last weekend I went to Ulta and had a lady help me. This feels so light on my face and its almost like I can feel my skin getting lots of air!:) 

 

Went to a Kari Jobe concert last Friday and it was beautiful! I loved her new music and to watch her lead worship! Can't wait to get her new album!!

Spring is HERE!

Today was exciting to find out it was first day of spring!! Seems like winter has been long!!!!

I want to hear from you! I'm going to leave a few questions and would love to hear your comments! 

1. What are you reading?
2. What blogs are you reading?
3. What are you struggling with?

I hope you were able to get outside today and breathe in fresh air! It's this time of year that its hard to know what to wear! Is it going to be cool or warm! I've noticed some pretty spring colors for the season in clothes. Two of my favorites are this mint color and tangerine orange. You'll see some of this in my Friday favorites tomorrow.