It’s easy to find yourself desiring someone else’s life or possessions—especially on social media. Social platforms are full of rabbit holes that lead down the paths of envy and jealousy. If we spend too much time longing for what others have, it often breeds unhappiness and resentment.
There will always be someone with more, and someone with less. Contentment comes from focusing on what we already have. And often, when we look closely, we realize we have more than we thought. Count those blessings, daily.
Reminder that it’s not about having everything. True joy comes not from accumulating but from seeing our lives through a lens of gratitude, finding beauty in the ordinary, and remembering that every small gift is one to cherish.
Not too long ago, I had a realization: we don’t truly own anything. Everything we currently have is here for our enjoyment, to serve us, to bring us joy, or to help others. But we don’t actually own these things. We’re essentially borrowing them for however long we’re here, because when we pass, none of “our things” will go with us. Recognizing this has made me appreciate all that I “have” even more. These are gifts from God; yet, because they’re not really ours, we shouldn’t hold on too tightly. Let me explain.
A while back, I was on Facebook and saw a story that beautifully illustrated this. A man shared that he was at a gas station when he saw someone who was homeless and didn’t have shoes. His wife told him, “Take off your shoes and give them to that man.” And he did, without hesitation. Now, he could’ve easily thought, No, these are my favorite shoes—I paid a lot for them. But he didn’t, because he wasn’t attached.
It’s human nature to grow attached to our things, and it can be challenging to let go. But when the opportunity arises to share something that “belongs” to us, it’s a chance to pass on joy and appreciation to someone else. We can thank these things for the role they played in our lives and let them go. This doesn’t have to be a gift to a stranger—it could be to family or friends as well.
Personally, I’m learning that the more I give and let go of things, the more space I create—both in my home and in my mind. We don’t need nearly as much as we think we do. Why hold on when there are others who might need or benefit from what we no longer use? I have a few selected items that I hope can stay within my family, shared and appreciated across generations. But for everything else, I’m letting go of the idea that they belong to me.
“The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.” Be grateful for everything God is lending you right now—everything.
Have you ever spent time looking all over your home for your glasses, only to discover they’ve been on your head the whole time? Or maybe you searched everywhere for your phone, only to realize it’s been tucked in your back pocket? Sometimes, life is like that. What we’re searching for to fill a certain void isn’t out there, it’s already within us.
You might think a specific achievement, possession, or relationship will finally make you feel complete. But when you get it, that familiar emptiness still lingers, leaving you confused and wondering, Why do I still feel this way?
The truth is, the answer you’re looking for is right where you are. To find it, spend time getting to know yourself, just like you would with someone new. What makes you tick? Why do you react a certain way? What brings you peace? What made you feel alive as a child?
Keep asking yourself why, and dig deeper. “That’s just who I am” is rarely the whole truth. You are layered, complex, and beautifully unique. Discover the colors, textures, and tools that shaped you into who you are. Not every discovery will be easy—some may be painful—but that’s part of the journey. Vulnerability strengthens our connections with others, and being vulnerable with yourself does the same.
No one in this world knows you the way you do. You alone hold the knowledge of your experiences, your dreams, your fears. And you are worth knowing. You are worth your own love. Take the time to see yourself for the miracle you truly are.
turn your vertically lined books to horizontal stacks
swap around drawers – linens, silverware, files in the desk
rearrange the kitchen cupboards
switch up the refrigerator shelves
push furniture an inch to the left or right (or completely into another room!)
switch lamps out to different rooms
move the chairs around your table
put everything dropped by the door back in its space
color-code your closet (or bookshelves!)
fold your towels a new way
organize the spice drawer / shelf
hang the dog leash somewhere that reminds you to take her for a walk
shake out the front door mat
edit the book pile by your bed
move your phone charger out of the bedroom
change the bulbs in a light to a brighter watt
flip a table arrangement so everything on the left is now on the right, and the right is now a lefty
move art on the walls around
turn all the shoes in your closet so they face one direction — with the toes facing out
dress the table with a linen-cloth and make mealtime a little more fancy
bring a few candles that normally sit somewhere unlit into a room where you’ll light them
take everything off your desk, wipe it down, and put everything back (ahhh!)
switch out your bed linens or add a different quilt to the foot of the bed
move an entire room around and try it out for a week
move the fridge magnets around
put something different in front of a mirror so that it doubles something new in your life
sharpen your pencils
give the dog bed a hearty shake and fluff / rotate the cat condo
turn the plants around so the other side soaks up the sun
flip the rugs, mattress, or couch cushions!
why 27 items, you ask? the short answer—it’s a shui thing. twenty-seven is [a multiple of] the number 9, the number representing power, manifestation, and completion. bonus: you don’t need to add or buy anything.
Have you ever spent time looking for your sunglasses or glasses all over your home only to discover that they have been on your head this whole time?! Or maybe you searched everywhere for your phone only to realize it’s been snug in your back pocket?
Something I have learned is that whatever you are searching for to fill a specific void is not out there. The answer is within. You may think a specific thing is going to fulfill you…. And then when you actually do get it you’re going to still have that void. And then you’re going to be left very confused and concerned. You’re going to think, I really thought this was going to fulfill me and answer all my questions. Why do I still feel this emptiness? This void? This feeling?
The answer is right where you are. And the way you discover your answer is by spending time with yourself. Getting to know yourself. Learning to love yourself.
The way we spend time getting to know others we should be spending time getting to know who we are. Why do we act a specific way? Why do we respond the way that we do? Why are we afraid of this and that? Ask why about yourself, and keeping asking it. Discover what you enjoyed doing as a kid, discover what brought peace to you and bring it back.
Saying, “this is just the way I am” is not your full truth. You have shape and definition. Why would you not want to discover the tools and colors that were used to create who you are as an individual. Give yourself time to discover yourself. Not all your discoveries will be pleasant. Some will be painful. Vulnerability forms deeper connections with others. Being vulnerable with yourself does the same.
Nobody is this entire world knows you the way that you know yourself. Nobody knows what you have seen or experienced. You’re worth getting to know, and you’re worth your love. See yourself for the miracle that you truly are.
There’s a book I just began reading called, “A Child Of The Native Race.” A story of woman who was born to an Indian family but taken away at 18 months old and raised by a white family. It’s a story of returning to her roots.
In her dedication the author Sandy White Hawk says this,
“
Even if we came into this world in the worst of circumstances.
We are not that circumstance; we were sacred when we were born
separate from the hardship that surrounded us.
Our life is good and has a purpose.”
“
This quote above really resonated with me in such a way. I don’t know that I can fully put into words.
It resonated with me because of my own adoption story and discovering my roots and finding my biological family. And it resonated because of my daughter, and her adoption story.
And currently, we are fostering my nephew, who we plan on adopting.
It is sad? The circumstance? In a way, yes, yes it is. And that should be acknowledged. But it is also a gift as well in it’s own way. And the gift may not be recognized until many years later (I can testify to that). This quote above affirms what I already know. That each of us are sacred, no matter how we entered this world. No matter the circumstance in which we are born into.
When we enter into this world we couldn’t be anymore pure. Each of us, first born, are so full of life, curiousity, adventure. It is the world, the pressures, the fears, the power and greed that work to steal us away from who we are. We become confused, afraid, and we feed ourselves lies.
Listen to me….
We are sacred gifts. We are miracles. We are love. You must never forget that. Never forget how significant you are. Never doubt your capabilities. You are chosen. That is the truth.
Forgive others. Forgive yourself.
Many of us DO enter this world through challenging circumstances. But how we come into this place does not define who we are. We are still chosen to be here, despite the troubles that may surround us. And we will find our way.
Lean not on your own understanding.
Live your days recognizing the gifts that surround you. Remind others that they are treasure. Help others to see how remarkable they are. We are never alone on our journey.
Discussing and sharing is healing and it’s connecting.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
The payment to live and be with God is death. We know that we are alive, and that one day, we, and everyone else will die. Death is the gateway to be with THE ONE.
Death can be thought of like taking a shower. Our earthly lives are covered in mud. We are head to toe covered in mud and gunk. And no matter what we do we can’t really get clean in this life.
Jesus let’s us know that when we die the mud will be removed. We gain peace knowing that one day, we will actually be clean and free.
This awareness brings joy. We don’t have to waste anymore time scrubbing away “this mud.” We CAN’T scrub it away anyway no matter how hard we try!
There are others who live who are still convinced that they can get clean and wipe this mud away themselves. They spend almost their whole lives scrubbing and wiping this mud, convinced that they can become clean without anyone’s help.
To die, is to truly remove the mud that is clung to each of us like wet clothes. Death is the ONLY way.
Death is a gift. Death is removing the chains of sin to be with God.
I know the talk of death is scary. It is. It’s scary because there is still much unknown what’s on the other side. It’s scary to think of the separation from the ones we love on this earthly life. But it will okay.
We have been gifted with faith and assurance that it will be okay. That we are loved. And whether we know it or not, this is something we all actually really want.
We have been given a great gift. Many want to point and blame God for the suffering in this world. However it is the suffering that will actually strengthen our bond with God, it’s the suffering that will provide understanding. To recognize the sin in this world is to cry out to God.
You are loved, always and forever. And you are never alone. May peace be with you.
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Charcuterie boards are so much fun! They are kind of like snowflakes, they are each unique in their own way. And what a way to display your creativity! I love it! This blog is specifically meat and cheese but I see myself sharing a sweets charcuterie board blog too in the future. So many possibilities!
I went to a wine tasting last weekend to celebrate a friends 35th birthday. There was a total of 5 of us and we all met because of our daughters. Our girls all met last year in kindergarten and now our little beauties are in first grade. It’s been so much fun developing these types of friendships and I’m so grateful.
Back to the wine tasting, one of the girls brought a prepared charcuterie board that we all got to enjoy and indulge in. A friends of hers actually creates them as a business!
Just sitting with the girls drinking some wine in the vineyards while snacking was pure bliss. If you’re a mom you know how badly you have to take some time for yourself to recharge your batteries.
The board we snacked on.My favorite is the spicy meat paired with a flavored goat cheese and crispy cracker. So yummy!
We all get excited about having a charcuterie board party. Maybe the wine was kicking in or we were just really hungry which resulted in this charcuterie board being the best thing ever. But this charcuterie board inspired this blog.
I share some layouts to help you with your charcuterie board party that you may be planning and some common pairings. You don’t have to follow it exactly but use this more as a guide and have some fun with it!
Thank you for reading and have fun charcutering! (I just made that up)
Charcuterie Board Visuals
Charcuterie Board Pairings And Tips
Would love to see your board! Share it with us on instagram!
Sometimes we just need a little encouragement and inspiration, and flowers are full of both.
Flowers Need Time To Bloom. So Do You. – unknown You’ll grow beautifully in your own way. – unknownMay flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary. – Xan OkuShe may lose a few petals, but it doesn’t make her any less of a flower. – Alicia N GreenDeep in your wounds are seeds, waiting to grow beautiful flowers. – Niti Mejethia A flower blossoms for its own joy. – Oscar Wilde Happiness is to hold flowers in both hands. – A Japanese Proverb When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower. – Alexander Den Heijer Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow the flowers or you can grow the weeds. – unknownWhere flowers bloom, so does hope. – Lady Bird JohnsonThe Flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all. – Walt DisneyA flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms. – unknownMay the petals teach me the art of letting go. – Xan Oku
Have a wonderful day, and buy yourself some flowers.
Encouragement is defined as, “the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.”
Encouraging another human being doesn’t cost a thing but it gives them more than anything. It can be life changing for some!
A small act of encouragement pushes people, gives them strength, reassures them, gives them something to hold onto and maybe even fight for…..especially during challenging and sorrowful times.
Even a smile is an act of encouragement.
Don’t fall into the common trap of belittling yourself and your capabilities. You are power.
You can save lives and you DO save lives. You may not know exactly how, but does that really matter? You influence others more than you know. That’s something to think about.
Who knows what doors you have opened for others.
Know in your heart you make a difference. Pass on the love, pass on the encouragement, pass on the hope. The world needs it.
The Wild Gems 