Peace
As I sat reflecting on the second week of Advent, which is Peace, I really struggled with what does peace mean for me? I mean I am a mom of three boys whose husband travels AND I help take care of my father. I don’t know but does this sound like it would be peaceful? NO! There is rarely a peaceful moment in our world. But, is that what peace really means?
PEACE
I looked it up actually and the definition of peace is: freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.
Ya, that does not happen with all the moving pieces and peeps in my life, BUT, I will tell you the more I thought about it I do know it is possible to have a peaceful life IF I choose to do a few things to better myself and line up my priorities. I am telling you guys I am learning so much about this and it is weird how when you take time to better yourself in the areas of your relationship with God, yourself, your health, your spouse/partner, kids, and friends in that VERY order you will have a peace that is so eerie at first, but you learn to just be in it and relish it.
Let’s take a look.
God-Trust me on this….get up everyday earlier than everyone else in your world and spend a minimum of 15 minutes with Him. Start there! Just doing this starts you in the right direction. When you are in a relationship with God it is amazing what starts to happen around you.
Yourself….get a journal and write down all you are thankful for daily! Start little…..start with one thing a day and build on it. It is amazing when you turn your heart into a grateful heart how much peace overcomes you. Along with this take a self improvement class, read a self help book, or find a mentor. Fill yourself with positive mental nutrition and watch the peace pour over you.
Your health…start watching what you eat….NO not a diet! Maybe you go from 3 cokes a day to 1, maybe it is only eat dessert 3 times a week….I don’t know what it is but start paying attention to what you are feeding yourself AND join a workout class or a tennis team. Walk the dog longer, take yoga, maybe it is kick boxing for you? Find one thing that is a workout that YOU really enjoy, not anyone else, YOU and go for it! I am speaking from experience in that I REALLY wanted to play tennis and be a part of a team and I did it, until I got injured, and I look at that injury as the BIGGEST blessing and you know why? Because I found dance! No one else was doing it and heck my friends are still not doing it, but, I am and I love it and I have lost a total of 30lbs and still losing! Why? Because I LOVE IT! And now I feel great about myself which makes it a lot easier to feel peaceful.
Your spouse/partner….this is a big one and it is still a struggle for me, but here it goes….we all really need to set aside one night a week for time with each other without kids, cell-phones, or friends…..just the two of you. Trust me guys….I get it and I am being so honest here by saying I am failing hard at this, but now that I wrote it I am going to work on it! As well as a relational journal. Try writing each other notes of gratitude about things you are grateful for about each other. I actually got Trey this for Christmas and I cannot wait to start it with him! Now, let me say there will be times when one partner is the only one writing….it is what it is and that is just part of a relationship, but stick with it and see what happens. Trust me! Ha! I have not even done this yet, but I know in my heart it will work! I just know it! It will not solve all problems, but it will change our perspectives and show us the good stuff!
Kids….Now these guys will be so much happier if the steps above are all working and when you then throw in special time with them, no cell phones, night out for a movie, or whatever it is amazing what happens. I know my children love it when I take them out one on one. It does not happen near as much as I would like, but we do a family dinner and I try to make our one on one time special. Even if it is just a ride to get their haircut. Take that time to talk and you ask a question and really listen. It is amazing what happens when you really listen to your child.
Last but not least friends….Now here again I am going to be so open and I am ashamed to say this, but I use to put my friends first. I really did. Why? I am not sure why except that they are so fun to hang out with and I really like them! But the truth is the order has to go how I put it to find peace. It just does….and when one is out of whack peace is hard to come by, but when they are all in order it is so amazing the feeling you get.
So my biggest take away for you today is YOU CAN HAVE PEACE! You can! You just have to make sure your priorities are in line and you are taking care of you! When you take care of you and improve on you and no I do not mean nails, hair, botox, or whatever….I mean really improve on you with positive nutrition for your brain and mind you will find peace. No every day is not full of roses, but it sure is easier to handle and handle with ease when all these things line up. So…….
Go in Peace Always and until next time….
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
fill your mind with positive nutrition!
Champagne Kisses by Chelsea
Meet Chelsea! I cannot even believe I am back in touch with Chelsea. I have known Chelsea for almost 20 years, but lost touch with her about 18 years ago. Why you might ask? Because she was just a sweet little girl I would play with, but look at her now! Still so sweet, but all grown up with a little girl and a side hustle! One I believe in firmly! I love when I see women like myself doing what they can to stay home with their munchkins, but still finding a way to contribute and have something for themselves. I believe this is so important ESPECIALLY if you are the type of woman who needs that and wants that. When Chelsea and I reconnected this past weekend and she shared what she was doing I offered to share her gig on my blog. Why? Because it is Christmas and this stuff makes an amazing gift of beauty and because I would love to see my sweet friend succeed at making her dreams come true! I LOVE the make up and the skin care line. I have to be honest though Chelsea….I don’t really like the eye cream (sigh)….don’t hate me! But I do use the facial wash, the climate control (which that stuff is the bomb.com), and the SeneSerum-C. I promise you I love it all. I do use other lines as well, but this line is amazing and the price point is great!!!!! So take a moment and read about my sweet friend Chelsea and if you are in the market for amazing lipstick, lipgloss, eye shadow, or skin care, send her an email. Her contact information is below. I promise if you try it, you will be hooked! I am and I have been using it for over a year now! So take a look and maybe even get ya some! I promise you will love it! Heck give it as a gift and I promise they will love it!
My name is Chelsea and I am so happy to share a little about my life, my job and my future. I have a beautiful daughter named Kate. She is full of adventure, sass and so much love! I am engaged to my best friend from college and will be married in October 2019. I have worked in many different fields from law, construction and the service industry. But my true passion is one that came to me without even searching for it. In August 2017 I joined an amazing company in hopes to make a little extra cash. Even if it was just an extra $100 for Target trips once a month. Boy was I surprised when I realized how much I love working and learning this new business! Yes, I am the girl on Facebook and Instagram sharing amazing makeup, skin care and hair care products! I have found a passion in helping others feel beautiful in their own skin! There are infinite opportunities to meet new friends and develop new relationships! The women within the organization have been so inspiring and helpful! There is a powerful vibe of support and encouragement which has helped me during those tough days in life. Not only have I been able to cultivate these new friendships but I have found financial support by running this business! It started out as a few bucks here and there...enough for a mani pedi or new shirt from Target (yes..I still use profits for that Target trip once a month). Then it really started growing!!! I started making 50% profits on my orders. Strong, amazing women saw this opportunity and joined me (and they are seeing the financial growth too!). I started receiving commission come in...it started super small like $5 the first month, the next month was $100, the next month was more than that! Another bonus of working this business is that I get all these amazing products for a huge discount and sometimes free! After just a few weeks of using the skin care line and products my skin had never looked better! I feel so much more comfortable in my own skin now. The nights I want to get all dolled up for events or date nights I know 100% I never have to worry about my makeup coming off or smearing..seems mundane but we all know that makes us super happy! It's hard to believe the growth I am experiencing withing my business and on a personal level. I feel less stress and anxiety which makes me a happier and stronger mama for my baby girl. I could not be happier with my decision to join the Senegence crazy train! I love training new women to be successful and watch them bloom! I love seeing that commission check post and I've only just scratched the surface! My fiance and I have big plans for our future like buying a home, starting another business, traveling the world and so much more! My business is going to help us achieve all of those goals and MORE! I would love to talk to anyone who is ready to take their life into their own hands! Find financial freedom, stress relief and support! I want to also open the door for anyone who needs a sound board, a friend, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to vent to! I've always been an open book and love sharing and listening with others. As the founder of Senegence said - Choose to live life in love and abundance, then work for it! I can't wait to see where this journey takes me! With love,Chelsea @champagnekissbeauty
Check out her video here!
As a distributor, she produced her own health and beauty commercial for SeneGence. If selected, it goes up in Times Square!
Checkout her video and please share
Friendship, Flowers, and Flare
I have this friend, Linh, she is unique, talented, beautiful, and funny,....pretty much the total package when it comes to friendship if you ask me... but we are total opposites.
I have this friend, Linh, she is unique, talented, beautiful, and funny,....pretty much the total package. When it comes to friendship we are total opposites. To think we match up as friends really makes people scratch their heads.
She is a Buddhist. I am a Christian.
She loves to go to museums. The thought of a day at the museum gives me hives.
She loves to go to any event or party. I am such a home body my couch has an outline of my body.
She has an eye for color and style and a flare about her that is electric and colorful. I prefer navy and black and boring!
She has an incredible story of survival, one I hope to share someday with you all in the near future. I never had to survive anything besides not making cheerleader in 7th grade! Worst day of my middle school career and I NEVER, let me repeat, NEVER tried out again!
Some things Linh and I do have in common; we both love to dance, like really love to boogie and feel the music. We both are moms. We both love fresh flowers. We are both loyal to our friends and do what we can to empower the beautiful ladies in our lives.
Linh might be one of my biggest critic and cheerleader when it comes to my teaching dance and I love this about her! She knows how to critique me and build me up based on my strengths. That my friends is a good friend!
When I look at our friendship I see how different we are yet we don't let that get in the way. We understand that we are different and we have a bond and we embrace those differences. We learn so much from each other because of these differences. Being different is good!
Being different is amazing and what I love about Linh and I's relationship is it shows what true friendship is! Caring about someone regardless of their age, race, talents, religion, and the list could go on and on!
Silly girl....your different was your beautiful all along-Atticus
Do you have a friend like Linh that is so different yet you learn new and exciting things about them all the time? If not I challenge you to find someone, make an effort to be in their life and learn about them You might be surprised at how meaningful your relationship can be. You might be surprised at how much you will learn from them!
The most beautiful thing a woman can wear is confidence.
One thing I learned recently about my beautiful friend Linh is she has sick talent when it comes to flowers. Twice now I have called her in a bind for my boys and she has put together the most stunning bouquets! Her style is simple elegance and she is meticulous in her work. I keep telling her she really should do a side business. I am hoping she takes my advice and does and remembers me when she is the most famous florist in town! Ha!
Check out Linh's work below and let me know if you are ever in the market for flowers. I have an amazing hook up for you (wink, wink)! And be looking for Linh's story in the future! It is extremely powerful and one you will not want to miss!
Until next time!
Xo,
Amy
Hello, World!
Need a meaningful gift for a meaningful friend?
Neighbors, Friends, and Hope
Have you ever heard the saying, "A bad neighbor is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing?"
Have you ever heard the saying, "A bad neighbor is a misfortune, as much as a good one is a great blessing?" It is so true! I am happy to report I have amazing neighbors and our little block is one of pure love and joy. Once a month the moms on my block all get together and do a mom's night. Every once in a while we will change it up and include the family, but for the most part it is about 12 women and we get together and eat, talk, and just share life. It has been so good for our souls and so good for our street. Twelve or so mom's getting together and finding out that we are all the same, but yet so different. Some work, some do not. Some exercise, some do not. Some like wine, some just drink water. Some have multiple kids, some just have one. Some have kids out of colleges, while others still have kids in the womb- the list goes on and on of differences, but what we do have in common are the same fears and dreams for our families and we all understand the joy of doing for others.
Last month after our last get together I started putting ideas out there of what we could do for April. Oddly about the same time, I read a post on the book of face (facebook) from a lady who was collecting bags for mom's in the hospital on Mom's day with their sick kiddos:
Many mothers are going to spend their first and last mothers day sitting at the bedside of their children who are medically fragile and terminally ill.
Help Hope's Seed to bring mothers day to these mother's at children medical center Dallas.
We need gift bags full of items like lotion, toothbrush, dry shampoo, chapstick, pens, notepads, anything at all that a mom would need while in the hospital with their child. Let's all bring some sunshine into these mothers lives on Mothers day this year.
I will PPU all you have to do is get your friends together, church groups, girls scouts, mothers day out or just on your own. I will pick up and deliver to children's medical center on your behalf.
Deadline for PPU is May 10th
I had never heard of Hope's Seed, but I had done enough work with my "Cancer Mom's" in the past to know that this was an amazing idea. I immediately sent out the text to the group asking if they would like to do this. You guys, my friends/neighbors went above and beyond! EVERYONE jumped in and everyone contributed; even if they could not be there the night I had chosen to build the gift bags. My amazing sister in-law, Erin, donated gift bags, ribbon, and adorable stickers from her stationary business at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/erinshelby
I made my neighbor, Amy's tortilla soup! If you missed that post you can find the recipe here: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/4/28/amys-tortilla-soup-modified-for-this-amys-tastebuds Some of the mom's bought other nibbles and wine and together we built 50 adorable bags of love. We had fellowship, we had laughs, we had food, we had wine, and we all counted our blessings because God willing we will be home on mother's day with our healthy kiddos. It was such a great night, so easy, and we all felt so good inside! We were all happy and full! Full of love, full of joy, and full of hope for these mommies!
Grandpa joined in on the food and fellowship! #luckyguy
“I began learning long ago that those who are the happiest are those who do the most for others.”
We enjoyed this evening so much that one of the mom's came up with the idea of "Cause a Quarter"! I love that! Once a quarter Milton Mama's will be giving back! How fun is that and how blessed am I to have such amazing neighbors! Not only neighbors, but friends! Each one of these ladies has a story and beautiful story and each one of these ladies has a heart a beautiful heart! To top it off each one of these ladies I can personally call my friend!
“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul”
So as Mother's Day approaches I want to take a moment to thank my neighbors/friends for being who they are! I want to tell each one of them you are Amazing! You are Strong! You are Loving! You are Happy! You are Selfless! You are Graceful! And you are Special! Happy Mother's Day to 12 amazing ladies and Happy Mother's day to all Moms! Because after all, Mom's are like buttons, they hold everything together!
If you want to learn more about Hope's Seed go to: http://hopesseed.com/ and later this week, Shelley, the founder of Hope's Seed will be sharing her story as to why she started Hope's Seed. Stay tuned because it is a story you will not want to miss!
Bags of love produced by some amazing women! Women I call my friends! #luckygirl
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Mother's day is fast approaching! Here are some beauty gift ideas!
Hello, World!
Don't forget your moms! Click the link above and find her something to make her day EXTRA special!
Jesus, A Red Ball, and A Puffer Fish
Have you ever stopped to think that everyone has a story? I mean my bagger at Tom Thumb Kennith has a story, my boss Alana has a story, my friend Ginger has a story, you have a story, I have a story....we all have a story. Today I want to introduce you to one remarkable lady. A lady who let me tell you has a story! A story that will at first fascinate you, then drive you to tears, then laughter, then amazement! But in the end, her story will leave you knowing you are loved. We are all loved. God loves you! God has the courage and strength you need in any and all circumstances. We just need to borrow some courage from Him and watch what happens.
Meet sweet Tova! Tova has a smile that will light up the room and Tova has a story that will touch your heart at it's core. That is what happened to me when I first met Tova in 2010 at Highland Park United Methodist Church and I remember thinking, "I like this chic. I get her! I need to be her friend! She gets me! Or at least she will once she meets me! Ha!" Fast forward to literally the morning of our anniversary a couple of weeks ago and I found out she wrote a book. I looked immediately ordered the book and reached out to her and asked if she would write a guest post. I explained to her that all those years ago she really touched me and really brought me out of a dark place. I had lost a child and she had no idea, but I had actually borrowed courage from her. You see she was a pastor at the church when we decided HPUMC was our home. So I will forever be grateful for her inspiration, her teaching, and her love. So as I was saying earlier....Meet Tova.....
TOVA SIDO
For years close friends, family - quite frankly, a lot of people would say to me – “T, you HAVE GOT to write a book and tell your story!” I would internally roll my eyes and politely respond by saying, “Oh I would never do that!” The truth was, I had never really been comfortable with “my story” – and well so many things were so damn sad that the thought of sitting down and reliving it while writing it sounded absolutely miserable. For years – with a lot of therapy and even more of Jesus - I had worked through so much of that pain, why on earth would I ever dig up those dry bones and bring that pain back to the surface?
But the undeniable truth is this – in January of 2014 the Lord woke me out of a dead sleep (this is often how He choses to speak to me) and told me, “T, it’s time to write that book. It’s time to tell people what I have done in your life.” I had to admit that this wasn’t just my story, this was God’s story – and I had to be obedient.
Some people would call themselves authors or writers. I am neither one of those. In fact my spelling and grammar is dreadful. I use WAY too many dashes and dots, have to spell check everything, and most of my sentences are run ons. So you can imagine me sitting in front of my computer the next day. I just kinda stared at it. For a long time. How would I start? WHERE would I start? What was the title? What would even be the point? I had no idea. So I said a prayer, took a deep breath and just started typing.
My deepest fears about writing my story were actualized. It was hard. And I cried and cried. And cried some more. I cried because well, here’s the cold hard truth about my story…..I :
Grew up in an abusive home
Have a mom who fought cancer for 14 years and died at the age of 53
Have a dad who left my mom for another women while she was in the hospital
Had a stillborn
Had a miscarriage
Buried my son Charlie who lived 8 months
Buried my daughter Louisa who also only lived 8 months
Am divorced
I mean is that sexy or what? Some resume……
But here’s the deal. It’s not the WHOLE story.
As I was writing the book I remembered when I was a little kid how incredibly petrified I was of storms. When I was in the second grade I had just moved from New Mexico to Texas and a terrible storm ripped through my school and stole my playground. I was so scared in tornado position that day I actually peed my pants (for good reason I left that part out of the book). After that I was never the same with storms. At the first crack of thunder or lightening I would race in to my parents room – anytime of day or night – and say to my dad “Daddy, I’m scared”. My daddy would crawl out of bed, put on a shirt and come and sit at the front storm window with me. We would count lightening and thunder and would watch the storms roll through. All those spring nights full of Texas storms I would borrow courage from my daddy until it was safe for me to go back to bed.
When we are young we are lucky because when we are scared or lost or sad or broken we have big people from whom we can borrow courage – a mommy, daddy, teacher, coach, grandma, grandpa. If you fall they will help you back up – if you were sad – well, they wipe tears – and if you are afraid, they will count the space between thunder and lightening until you’re not afraid anymore.
Adults oftentimes aren’t so lucky. The dreaded storm often rolls in and because we no longer have anyone to borrow courage from – we crumble. Jesus was so dang smart He actually warned us that this could happen in the gospel of Matthew. He said this, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
It fell with a great crash.
That’s what happens without Jesus.
You know the amazing thing about what Jesus promises us is what the storm will look like with him – and what the storm will look like without him. I guess the whole thing strikes me because Jesus is telling us…….the storms will come…….
Some people think storms shouldn’t come with Jesus. It’s kind of a silly thought when you consider the storms that Jesus endured. Even Jesus. Why should or would we ever be exempt?
The storms will come. And when they come, our life resumes can take a hit. Those “hits” are different for all of us. For some it’s cancer, infidelity, bankruptcy, or addiction. For others it’s death of a loved one, infertility, depression, chronic illness or pain, divorce or loneliness. Some parents are estranged from their children. Some children are estranged from their parents. And so much more……
But we do not have to fall…..with a great crash.
I believe it is in these moments God’s story is written in us. This is when He can show up and do some of His best work.
And so is the rest of my story…..
Someone on the outside looking in on my life would put their hand over their mouth and the other on their heart while shaking their head and thinking, “Bless her heart.” I would say different. And it’s ONLY because of Jesus – and the courage I have learned to borrow from Him.
I know, with every single thing inside of me, that our God already has or will redeem all the heartache, loss and pain in my life. I know that even though the storms have and will continue to come – that my life – and more importantly, my spirit, will NEVER fall. Every single day I wake up I ask my Savior to be with me. Walk with me. Light my path and show me the way. And He never fails me. Never. Tova Sido alone is weak and sinful and has very little courage. Tova Sido with Jesus is courageous and strong and can do anything. And I mean ANYTHING. I am not afraid. And I never have to be because Jesus has already promised me that “Perfect love casts out all fear” – and well, HE is perfect love. As long as I am walking with Him – I never have to be afraid.
One of my favorite worship songs is called “Great are you Lord” and the lyrics say this,
You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
To You only
You give life, You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope, You restore
Every heart that is broken
Great are You, Lord
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
To You only
All the earth will shout
Your praise
Our hearts will cry
These bones will sing
Great are You, Lord
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
To You only
These lyrics are based off of Psalm 51:8 where King David says this, “Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.”
Joy and gladness can come from darkness and pain. These bones WILL SING – Great are you Lord…….
We are promised that one day – when this earth is gone and we are reunited with our Savior in His kingdom, “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
I tear up thinking about that perfect day. I just can’t wait.
Until then my friends, Borrowed Courage.
If you want to learn more about Tova's story you can order her book at https://www.tovasido.com
A portion of the proceeds of this book support children with special needs and Dream on International.
I promise her story will stir something in you, you never knew was there and you will walk away appreciating what God has given you because after all we need is Jesus, a red ball, and a puffer fish! (Got to to get the book to know why you need a red ball and a puffer fish and of course why we need Jesus!)
xo,
Amy