inspiration Archives - Home With The Boys

Jump: Living the Dream

April 23, 2013 By Erin 23 Comments

I can’t even believe some of the things I actually did this weekend.

I am a raging extrovert, but being an extrovert and being courageous are not the same thing. I wasn’t quite sure how God would show up for me this weekend at the Jumping Tandem Retreat, maybe instilling bits of courage here and there. I thought He may nudge me towards one dream or whisper to me about another.

Instead, I found Him painting boldly on my heart with strokes of passion and clarity and, yes, the courage to jump, both literally and figuratively.

He took His dream for me, the one I had only mentioned in passing, nervous and scared that someone might hold me to it, and He made me SPEAK that dream OUT LOUD to others.

Amazing

He took my biggest dream obstacles – the ones in my head – and He spoke through Jennifer to help me lay them down – no, even better, throw them out and bury them for good.

He surrounded me with other dreamers…

Erin and Lisa-Jo

Lisa-Jo, the greatest (in)courager and cheerleader for moms there ever was…

Jessica, Erin, and Vickie

My new Pacific Northwest heart sisters, Jessica and Vickie, pursuing and encouraging love in community over at Walk Agape…

Sarah and Erin

My fabulous roomie for the weekend, Sarah, who entranced me with her energy and stories of life in musical theatre!

…other dreamers all feeling the nerves and excitement and fear and indigestion that come along with the BIG things He has planned to draw us closer to Him. We dreamed together. We worshipped together {Oh, did we worship}. We believed together. And from my dear friends Holley and Lisa-Jo, we rediscovered the meaning of success in relation to our dreams…

Success is obedience to God.

Unlike any other conference or gathering I had ever attended, I did not walk away overwhelmed with a million things to try or be or do. I walked away from this weekend ready to jump. And to take that jump with joy, knowing that just getting started on His dream for me was success.

In a rare moment of bravery, when I registered for this retreat, I signed up for the additional “Be Brave” activity as well. I later learned that activity would involve net-climbing, tall towers, and a zip line, and my bravery turned to knocking knees and chattering teeth {from the nerves AND the cold, windy weather!}.

Raw Emotion

I climbed up that two-story net, worked my way up another tangled mess to the second platform, and within seconds of scooting myself off that 54-foot high platform and flying across the air, I knew exactly why God had me up there.

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The guide told me the steps I would take leading up to my jump: they involved me sitting on the platform, her unclipping me, and me moving myself forward whenever I was ready. She did the unclipping, I yelled to let the ground crew know I was on my way, and I JUST WENT.

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I knew that if I sat there for even a second longer, I might not jump at all. I didn’t think. I left no time for doubt or worry or fear. I just jumped.

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And God said, “Now do EXACTLY THAT with the dream I’ve given you.”

I’ve spent way too much time sitting on the edge of His dream for me, looking down, afraid and doubting and feeling inadequate. It’s time for obedience. I am living the dream.

Deidra's smile

Thank you, lovely, wonderful Deidra, for being obedient to His dream for YOU which has now inspired each of us who were in attendance. It was all blessing.

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P.S. The zip line was AMAZING, as was experiencing it with this bunch of awesome women. If you ever get the chance, DO. IT.

*THANK YOU to the most lovely Laura for the zip line pictures. You captured each moment so perfectly!

**Later this week, or whenever I have some more time to process the sessions, I will post more of the words of inspiration shared by the fabulous speakers! Good, good stuff.

I’m linking up with Holley and the God-sized dreamers this week about how we PLAY in the middle of our dreams. Zip-lining counts, right?!

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Filed Under: God-sized Dreams, inspiration, joy

Realistic Refreshment

April 15, 2013 By Erin 1 Comment

I just adore that two lovely blog friends have been focusing on refreshment lately. Jessi and Hayley are doing such a wonderful job encouraging us as women to step back and fill up our own tanks before we burnout. Last week they focused on refreshing yourself with some new fun and easy hair, makeup, and wardrobe tips, as well as sharing some things they find refreshing in their own lives.

I’ve latched on quite tightly to one of their “movements” the last few weekends and it has been my biggest source of realistic refreshment: analog weekends.

From Friday evening to Sunday evening, I stay off of social media. I focus on home and family and reading and writing and interacting right here, right now.

This was my third weekend of social media blackout. I can’t even tell you how freeing it has been. I say “yes” a lot more to my family. When there’s some downtime and I’m tempted to reach for my phone and check Facebook, I grab a book instead. More projects are getting done.

My head is clearer and my thoughts are more my own. It’s funny how clearing the social media voices out of the mind can do that!

I didn’t go to a spa. I didn’t go away for the weekend. I didn’t take a bath or get a massage. I was with my family all weekend {except for my running & working out time}, but I still feel refreshed and ready to take on this next week. Between managing homeschool and little ones and a doctor’s schedule and managing a few websites and… {I’ll just stop there} weekends like these are what I call realistic refreshment.

And this is what realistic refreshment looked like this weekend…

French Dip

French dip for Friday supper, leftovers all weekend.

JJ Bread Lover

Our little bread lover!

Monkey Bread

Monkey bread. Enough said.

WWII Puzzle

1000 piece puzzle picked out by Big J at Costco Friday. Started Saturday. This much done by Sunday night, mostly by The Hubby, some by me, a little by Big J.

I want to issue a challenge to you this week. First of all, read the Refresh posts from Hayley and Jessi. Pick one of their refresh ideas and run with it this week – try a new hairstyle, change up your make-up, put together a new outfit from clothes in your closet. And then take the week to think about this…

What is ONE way you could find refreshment this upcoming weekend?

The challenge part is that the ONE thing cannot involve leaving your house, hiring a babysitter, or spending any money. How is that for realistic? Pick something now and then make plans this week to make sure it actually happens!

I can’t wait to hear your answers! Let’s inspire one another!

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Filed Under: family, inspiration, joy, priorities, reading

Stopping & Staying

April 11, 2013 By Erin 1 Comment

I’m sharing a broccoli “recipe” our whole family loves over at Raising Hearty Boys today! The boys would not touch broccoli before we tried it this way! Enjoy!

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My life has consisted of more reading than writing lately, so I don’t have a lot of original thoughts to share. But I have LOTS of words of inspiration and growth and challenge swirling around in my head, like these…

Stopping and Staying

I’m trying to savor as much stillness as I can in the midst of our busy schedule, and even creating more stillness whenever possible. In the midst of birthdays and and upcoming retreat and our normal hustle-and-bustle, I crave time to just stop, stay, and feel His presence. 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life has been really challenging me, not only in my Sabbath-keeping, but also in finding rest and renewal in everyday life. The “stops” are becoming more frequent and my soul can feel the difference.

How are you doing with stopping these days?

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Filed Under: inspiration, reading

Dreaming for Another Year

March 26, 2013 By Erin 6 Comments

Birthdays are cause for celebration!

You didn’t have to tell Little J that twice – he made me feel like the most important, special person in the whole world on my birthday. I felt totally celebrated by all of my guys!

I’m also finding my birthday to be a great time of reflection and dreaming! Instead of lamenting turning another year older, I did some birthday praying and dreaming about all God has in store for the next year!

It almost feels a little like New Year’s to me, but I’m not making resolutions to lose weight or get more organized. I’m taking my God-sized dreams and laying out a few areas that I want to see grow in the next year. God spoke three things very clearly into my life as we celebrated my birthday yesterday. Seriously, there was no mistaking what He wants to work in me as I move towards 33…

1. I want to understand grace more fully and practice it more regularly, especially within our family.

Grace is not a new word to me, but after having read Connecting Church & Home by Tim Kimmel {review coming soon}, author of Grace-Based Parenting {which is on my t0-read list}, I’m realizing I don’t really know much about living a life full of grace, especially in relation to my children. I just know I want to know more about grace and how to live it out.

2. I want to experience greater intimacy with God and with The Hubby.

Our busy lives don’t allow much time for depth of relationship. I’m not ok with that. I want a closer, deeper relationship with my Savior, not just cramming in Bible study before the kids wake up. I want spend more time talking and connecting with The Hubby, particularly when his schedule only allows for us to see each a couple hours a day.

3. I want to discover what a true Sabbath looks and feels like for our family.

I took last weekend “off” from social media. It was the most restful two days I’ve had in as long as I remember. But that’s just a piece of figuring out how our family is best refreshed on the weekends, or another Sabbath day when The Hubby’s work hours don’t allow for Sunday rest. My sister gave me 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life for my birthday and I’m really looking forward to soaking up those insights on a Sabbath day.

I feel like this is the real-life living out of my God-sized dream – the nuts and bolts of being able to grow closer to God, bless my family, and write to encourage other families with integrity and without burning out!

What areas do you hope to grow in as you approach another birthday, whether it is next week or next year?

Read more stories of God-sized dreams lived out in real-life over at Holley’s place today!

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Filed Under: God-sized Dreams, inspiration, joy

God-Sized Dream Stories: Those Who Inspire Me

February 26, 2013 By Erin 9 Comments

God-Sized Dreams Team As I’m pursuing the dreams God has placed on my heart, I have many days where I think…

“What am I doing? I’m not qualified to do this? I just need to stop and let someone else pursue this dream…”

Most of the time I am able to stop myself mid-thought and realize these are not words my loving, wonderful God would put in my head. They are lies.

Other days, I need some extra inspiration to help me press on, and the stories of other God-sized dreamers are just what I need. The most inspiration has come from moms like me, living mom lives, putting God and family first, and saying yes to the gifts and dreams He has given them.

Dreamers like these…

Heather – Fellow boy mama, although she’s one up on me. Going about her life being an encouragement to many in real life and through her blog and BOOM! She gets an email from an agent asking if she’s ever thought of publishing a book! That is a WOW GOD type of thing to me. And Heather has stayed humble, seeking God and taking the process slow. I. Love. This. Story.

Brooke - She wrote Warrior Prayers because she just knew it needed to be written. Not for fame, not for money – just to pass on her heart for praying for her boys. God has done so much more than she ever dreamed with her obedience in writing that book, in her own life and the lives of thousands of boy mamas. And there’s more to come…

Jen – She has FOUR boys who are all SIX, so that automatically makes her a hero to me. The way Jen and her family honestly share their lives, from stories of pregnancy with multiples to unemployment to taking on adventures with their boys, is so real and so God-honoring. I’m not sure Brad and Jen would have ever said this is where they dreamed they would be one day, but they let God write their story and move forward with joy and faith.

Amanda -As a former teacher, I love that Amanda’s previous career in children’s ministry has become a part of how she parents and how she encourages other parents in her writing. And the stuff she writes about she actually DOES with her kids, impressing God’s Word upon their hearts in creative, meaningful ways. Motherhood is not mundane for her – it is fun and God-inspired and full of life. I love when my music teacher training and motherhood collide, and Amanda inspires me to use what I’ve been given, even though I’m not a music teacher at a school anymore! I don’t believe that teaching and being a parent and becoming a writer are all separate dreams – God is weaving one big dream through all of them!

I don’t know that my words can do justice to the God-sized dreams of these women, but I know their dreaming keeps me going on days I’m not sure I have what it takes to follow the path He has shown me to take.

And we all need those stories, don’t we?

Tell me a God-sized dream story that inspires YOU!

Read more inspiring God-sized dream stories over at Holley’s place today!

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If God-sized dreaming is your thing or you think God is gently nudging you to step out in faith on something new, you MUST read Holley’s newest book, You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You, launching THIS FRIDAY! Pre-order your copy now and come back later this week to read all that I have to say about it!

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Filed Under: friends, God-sized Dreams, inspiration

The Power of Having a “Dream Team”: How Community Helps Your Dreams Succeed

January 29, 2013 By Erin 20 Comments

Yesterday we talked about the importance of community for moms. Let me sum it up for you:

Alone = bad. Together = good.

This same formula works well for me in other areas as well. Dreaming is one such area.

It’s actually quite easy for me to dream. I am a big-picture thinker, an ENFP {see my note at the end of this post to find out more}. ENFPs are excited by new ideas, but get bored easily with details. In other words, I get distracted by the next “shiny thing” to come along quite often.

I have dreams coming out of my ears, but on my own, most of them will never happen.

That’s where my own personal “dream team” comes to the rescue!

The Power of a Dream Team

These are the people who inspire me, bounce around ideas with me, and ground me in reality when needed! The power of having a “dream team” comes when they fill in your gaps, spur you onward, and help your dreams succeed.

My gaps include procrastination, lack of attention to details, and struggling to finish projects before starting new ones. This “dream team” is helping me overcome these deficits to pursue all that God has planned for me – those wonderful, amazing God-sized dreams!

Who makes up my “dream team?”

The Hubby is my ultimate “dream team” member because he loves to plan and look ahead at where we’re going, but he also thinks about how every decision will affect our family. And he knows me better than I know myself, so he always has what’s best for me in mind!

My best friends take on two significant team roles – one as a cheerleader and one as a prayer warrior. Dreams can really take flight when supported by encouragement and prayer! These gorgeous girls are always there holding me up.

Brooke and I are united in our vision to reach out to moms and dads of boys, so dreaming together is a joy. And, like my husband, she’s a details-thinker, so she fills in those gaps for me. Hallelujah for puzzle pieces that fit together just right!

Amanda is that person in my life whose creativity and enthusiasm inspire me to dream bigger and keep moving forward {Meet the Robinsons for the win there}, particularly in the areas of blogging and all things kid-related! She just oozes big, wonderful, God-centered ideas!

Dream Team Gals

And to round out the team are two ladies who are so willing to listen, pray, and sweetly speak truth into my life. Stacey and Teri Lynne are women I greatly respect for their faithfulness to God and their families above all else. They are already modeling my God-sized dream, and doing so with grace and wisdom.

Notice how I need lots of realistic-minded people around me to keep me from floating off in a million different directions, chasing dreams that just aren’t right for the here and now?! Maybe you’re a detail person and the big-picture dreams don’t come as easily – surround yourself with those who dream big and catch some of their spirit of adventure!

Find your team. Share your dreams. Watch God move. There is power in community!

What kind of people do you need on your team to help your dreams succeed?

I mentioned above that I am an ENFP. That’s not a misspelled word, but rather a personality type based on this test. I would love for you to go take the test {it’s free!} and come back to share your results!

*Linking up over at Holley’s as part of the God-Sized Dream Team today!

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Filed Under: friends, God-sized Dreams, inspiration

My God-Sized Dream Anthem

January 15, 2013 By Erin 7 Comments

Talking about my God-sized dream last week was a big step for me. And the encouragement I received from all of YOU was like have a cheering squad just for me! THANK YOU!

Holley asked us to take a baby step towards our God-sized dream this week and I had a little fun with this one!

I love music and the way it inspires and motivates me. As I was running {OUTSIDE!!!} this week, a song came up in my playlist and I knew some of the words were just what I needed to keep in the forefront of my mind as I pursue the dreams He has spoken to me!

Here are a few of the lyrics that inspire me…

Sometimes it’s hard to just keep going

But faith is moving without knowing

Can I trust what I can’t see to reach my destiny?

I want to take control but I know better

God I want to dream again, take me where I’ve never been

I wanna go there, this time I’m not scared

Now I am unbreakable, it’s unmistakable

No one can touch me, nothing can stop me

Forget the fear it’s just a crutch

That tries to hold you back

And turn your dreams to dust

All you need to do is just trust

~”Unbreakable” by Fireflight

That’s what I’m working on with my dreams – letting go of my control and trusting Him! They are His plans for me in the first place!

What music inspires you as you pursue God’s plans for you?

Here is the song in case you wanted to listen! It’s great for getting pumped up!

{If you are reading this in your email or reader, click on over to this post to view the video!}

I’m linking up with Holley and more God-sized dreamers today!

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Filed Under: God-sized Dreams, inspiration, music

End Your Day Like The Robertsons

November 15, 2012 By Erin 6 Comments

I have two words for you today:

Duck. Dynasty.

Please tell me you’ve watched it. If you haven’t, just head over to the A&E website right now and watch an episode. Or two. Or five. I bet you can’t stop at just one.

The show follows the Robertsons, a Louisiana family who struck it rich making duck calls. When I met Korie, wife of the CEO of Duck Commander and a main “character” on Duck Dynasty, at dotMOM in September, I had never watched a single episode. I hardly knew what it was about.

After several lovely conversations with Korie and her mom, Chrys, I decided to give the show a try. Then I showed it to The Hubby. I could hear him laughing from two floors away.

We’re hooked.

It’s quotes like this that have us in stitches…

“Frog catchin’ is the most fun a human being can have on this earth.” ~Jase

“Parenting is a constant struggle between making your kids’ lives better and ruining your own.” ~Willie

“I am the MacGyver of cooking. If you bring me a piece of bread, cabbage, coconut, mustard greens, pigs feet, pine cones…and a woodpecker, I’ll make you a good chicken pot pie.” ~Uncle Si

“Squirrel brains make you smart.” ~Miss Kay

Well, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Anyway, the show is super funny, but that is not the point of this post.

The Robertsons are big on faith and family. Every episode ends with the family gathered around the dinner table. Phil leads the family in a prayer, and then Willie sums up the episode with a lesson learned.

I’m thinking it would do every family some good to end each day like the Robertsons.

1. Gather for a meal. Breaking bread binds us together. That’s why Jesus did it so often with his disciples. It’s not a coincidence that many of my favorite memories of family get togethers include us sharing a meal. Willie {Duck Commander CEO} talks more in the book The Duck Commander Family about just how important family dinner was to shaping who is he and what he values.

2. Say a prayer of thanks. Prayer and gratitude are two of the most powerful forces out there. And neither one is focused on ourselves. They are focused on our Creator and Provider. Speaking words of gratitude help dispel the negativity of the day and bring right perspective.

3. Reflect on the lessons learned from the day, both good and bad. Looking back over the day and distinguishing the good from the bad helps us move forward. If we just plod from day to day, never taking time to assess what worked and what didn’t, we will make the same mistakes over and over again. And sharing our “lessons learned” with the family brings accountability into the picture. You know how strongly I feel about that!

Around here, dinner can be a somewhat stressful time with two slow, highly-distractable, picky eaters and a super-active baby {just being real!}, but the Robertsons have inspired us to use dinner time to connect and reflect. I am working on taking a deep breath as we sit down, giving sincere thanks to God for His provision and love, and sharing the highs and lows of our day together.

Those Robertsons have the right idea.

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What does family dinner time look like at your house? What do you WANT it to look like?

*This post contains affiliate links.

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Filed Under: faith, family, gratitude, inspiration, priorities

Every Day Blogs: My Ten Must-Reads

September 18, 2012 By Erin 18 Comments

Blog reading can benefit your life and build you up or can it can take it over and drag you down.

Well-written blogs inspire and encourage. Others can make you feel guilty or overwhelmed or less than what you are.

That’s why I choose which blogs I read on a regular basis very carefully. And I try to keep the list fairly short so blog-reading doesn’t consume the time I need to be spending with family and friends.

The blogs I have listed below are the ten blogs I read almost every single day. The posts are sent to my inbox because I know I don’t want to miss a post and it is easy to read them at my convenience.

I am so grateful for the ladies who pour out their hearts and wisdom and creative genius on these sites because they inspire me to be all God created me to be as a wife, mom, homemaker, friend, woman, writer, and daughter of the King!

To clarify: I DO read other blogs. There are many writers I enjoy very much who I have probably left off this list. I will probably have to write a second top ten list for those I forgot this time around!

Top Ten Must-Read Blogs

{in no particular order}

1. Peak 313 Fitness - Clare’s site is all about getting fit physically and spiritually. Encouragement, workout plans, healthy recipes, and lots of motivation!

2. Simple Mom - LOTS of practical advice about living more intentionally and simply with your family.

3. The MOB Society - I know I’m one of the founders of the site, but I need the words of those writers in my inbox daily! I love this connection to other boy moms!

4. Women Living Well - I love Courtney’s site for marriage advice and loads of Biblical truth. She also hosts lots of wonderful challenges that involve accountability and you know I love that!

5. I Take Joy - Getting Sally’s posts in my inbox feels like having a mentor email me every evening with some sage wisdom to help me grow as a mom.

6. Beauty and Bedlam - I want to be like Jen. She is a godly woman who is also hospitable, fashionable, frugal, creative, and a wonderful mom!

7. Inspired to Action – I feel like Kat is my mom life-coach. She gives awesome encouragement and helpful resources ALL. THE. TIME.

8. Impress Your Kids - My #1 go-to site for all things kids and faith. Amanda is a creative rockstar and I trust her recommendations 100%. Plus, I wish she lived next door.

9. The Better Mom - A wonderful team site with beautifully-written posts any mom would be blessed to read. And I am blessed by it daily.

10. (in)courage - The one site I think every single woman should read – married or single, mom or not, any age or race. You will find something just for you every week at (in)courage.

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Which blogs are on your “every day” list?

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Filed Under: blogging, inspiration

One Thing: Dedication & Commercial Inspiration

August 9, 2012 By Erin 12 Comments

Take a day off? I don’t even take a morning off.
I haven’t ordered dessert in two years.
You know that best selling book everyone loves? I haven’t read it.
I haven’t watched TV since last summer. Hey, I’ve been busy.

These are the words from a Citibank commercial we’ve seen about seventy billion times since the Olympics started. While some of the commercials are driving me absolutely crazy at this point, this particular one has done the exact opposite.

Every time I’ve heard it, the words have sunk a little deeper into my mind, until today when I realized…

This dedication they are talking about is not just for Olympic athletes. It’s for me. And it’s for you, as well.

I’m not trying to win a gold medal, but I am trying to raise children for the Lord and serve my husband and family the best I can. These things have much more value than a gold medal, which means my level of dedication should be just as high or higher.

In some ways, it is a hard comparison to make. A swimmer focuses on swimming. A runner focuses on running.

As wives and moms and friends and followers of Jesus, we have many areas that require dedication from us. I am known for getting all gung-ho about bettering several areas of my life at once and ending up falling flat on my face in all of them.

Taking my cue from the Olympic commercial, I am going to pick ONE thing to dedicate myself to this month. ONE thing that will improve my life and the life of my family. If I succeed at this ONE thing for the rest of the month, I will be happy. And I will not add another major goal to my plate until this ONE thing has become a more natural part of my life.

Now, I know the athletes are doing more than just the ONE thing they mentioned in the commercial in order to accomplish their goals, but it still seems symbolic to me. Maybe they were mentioning the ONE thing that was the hardest for them to do. Maybe they mentioned the ONE thing that made the biggest difference in their focus during training.

Those thoughts really helped me when choosing my ONE thing for this month and maybe it will help you as well.

My ONE thing for the month is getting up before my children.

I used to do this so well, then I got pregnant and had a baby. Those things tend to affect one’s sleep schedule, but I’m ready to snap out of it.

I’m not putting any other limitations on this goal. Yes, I want to fill that time with the Word and exercise and planning my day, but for now the ONE thing is getting up before the kiddos.

And to set myself up for success, I am calling on some new friends to hold me accountable. Hello Mornings has always been one of my favorite groups on the internet and I’m so thrilled to be signed up for a group this fall again! If you are interested in joining a group of women who are getting up early to make the most of their days or just want to read more about the Hello Mornings challenge, head on over to the website for all the info you need. Seriously, the ladies behind it all AND the ladies that participate are SO inspiring and encouraging!

Now it’s your turn – what will your ONE thing be for the rest of the month?

23 days left in the month to form a GREAT habit – what will you dedicate yourself to for those 23 days?

Share it here in the comments so we can pray for and encourage one another!

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Filed Under: family, inspiration, priorities