It has been a good while since I’ve last been on here, but I’m back!!!! Brace yourself … It’s a long post!!! I’m not sure if I’ve told you my “word of the year” or not, but you know how I’ve developed themes throughout my business life? I’ve worked on words like … build, refine, upscale, simplify and flourish. I found it so helpful having a word toΒ keep in mind throughout the year because I’m human and I need reminders! This year is quite different from the others, though. I’ve been enjoying a lot of reading lately and one word keeps leaping off the pages. It may seem quite simple, but it’s only a canopy for what it really means!!!
LOVE
“Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” –Β Tuesdays with Morrie
I was recently reading this book, Tuesdays with Morrie, and had so many “YESSSSS!” moments! We all value life in different ways, but we need to really focus on what is important. I’m about to turn 30 in a little over a month (AH!) so I’ve been enjoying a lot of reflection time. Before I dive into this thought some more, yesterday I took a long, relaxing bath instead of taking a quick shower just to move forward with my routine Sunday chores. I cannot believe I’ve been missing out on this “bath life” since I was a kid!!!! Haha! Did you know how difficult it was to clear my mind once I was finally at that resting point? Boy, I had to keep myself in check because I wanted to think about what I had lined up for this week… I’m currently working on building resting time for myself. π
You may know by now that I enjoy being “on the go,” but that’s exactly why I found this word canopies/overlaps an important word: “present.” To me, to show love involves being fully present and INVEST in people! This means, investing time, your full undivided attention with the intentions of being in the moment WITH that person, listening and reciprocating. I also think about how this needs to happen with my time with God and even myself!! I’ll admit that I’ve struggled with creating that intentional time with God every day, but I found that my morning routines needed to start with Him. My days are so much better off when I do this. π As I was saying above, I enjoy being on the run, so it is also important to have intentional time to self-love and care for my body.
My friend, Jess, and I talked a lot about this while I was visiting Las Vegas last week. Love isn’t just a feeling, it’s an act!! After reading Tuesdays with Morrie and talking about being intentional with our time/relationships, I attended a conference a few days ago with my friend, Kate, where we listened to Joyce Meyer talk about this too. π I’ve struggled this year with how I can love my community. After listening to Joyce Meyer, I was inspired by how I can share my love towards my own community! I struggle with dontating time because it seems like there is never enough hours in a day, so she encouraged to start an account and deposit money, as you would for church every week, but use that account to LOOK for opportunities to bless someone. I love this simple idea of how to bless someone when you aren’t able to physcially get involved!!! A great way to show love. π
Thinking that “love” is my word of the year, kills me that I haven’t read Bob Goff’s “Love Does” yet!!! It has been on my list for so long and everything keeps leading me to read his book!!! In fact, a book I just finished reading Lysa Terkeurst’s book, “The Best Yes” who quoted Bob’s book many times! Looks like I need another bath night with this book! I plan to read this book after I finish “For the Love” by Jen Hatmaker and I’ll tell you how my word of the year soaks in on another level! π
Okay, so this was a VERYYYY long “Weekend Recap,” but obviously, these past few weeks have been so good for my heart. I have so much to share with you, so I’m sorry this blog doesn’t stop! π HAHA! So much has happened over the past few weeks, and I’ll be sure to share more adventures from visiting Destin, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada!!! π
Alex took me and his family down to his new hometown!!! π Destin is beautiful!!!
I attended my first major league baseball game!!! SO cold, but so much fun!!! After baseball and visiting Destin, I was off to Vegas!
I love these guys so much!!! Why does it look like a green screen? LOL! We did some amazing hikes in Nevada and I cannot wait to share all about our adventures soon. π
Jess and I even did a day hike with her adorable kids one day. π
When I returned from my travels, I had flowers and a card waiting for me at home from my sweetheart. <3 He’s currently adventuring around Peru, but I cannot wait for his return!!! Peru looks very sandy, doesn’t it? π HA!
This past weekend, I took Ollie to JMU (GO DUKES!!!) and he lovedddd it! Goodness, he had sorority girls flocking to him left and right. HAHA! He’s quite the stud at his youthful age! Then my friends and I attended the Rocktown Beer Festival to celebrate two very special Birthdays. π So much fun!!!
Joyce Meyer and Elevation Worship came to Northern Virginia!!! It was a wonderful way to spend a Friday night. π But what’s even more appropriate was taking a relaxing bath on a Sunday evening! Perfect weekend!!!
Why was it appropriate hiking yesterday? It was Earth Day and it was beautiful outside!!!! Great spending it with Amanda and our pups!!
Coming to the Blog…
Adam & Anne | Airlie Center, Virginia Elopement
Derek and Jess | Las Vegas, Nevada Family Portraits
David and Lauren | Middleburg, VA Engagement
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