Just Give Up

"The thing that is really hard and really amazing is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself."

Anna Quindlen

When I found this quote I was in the middle of a raging, internal battle. After years of people-pleasing and doing what I thought I was supposed to do, I suddenly found myself tired, confused, unfulfilled, without direction, and distant from God. Upon the realization that I had lived a large part of my life trying to be who I thought people wanted me to be and trying to be perfect, I was forced to see me behind the masks.

But guess what?....(to finish reading this post, please join me at Teri's Place, Keeping it Personal, where I am her guest today.)

**Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commmons - Balaji B

Where in the World is that Proverbs 31 Lady?

Bombarded by social media sites, blog rankings and the local P.T.A., women (and men) today face the temptation of becoming people pleasers and sometimes fall into the trap of performing for popularity or acceptance. Even in the church things can get a little mixed up.

Before you report me to the Pastor, let me explain...
 
To read this post in its entirety, please visit me and Lana (like Banana) over at ilovemy5kids where I have the honor of being her guest today. Hope to see you there! :)

Happy Friday, friends!

xoxo,
Shelly

After the Fire

This morning around 9:30 A.M. our daughter left for a babysitting job. By 11:30, there was news of a fire and mandatory evacuations in the area she was located. Needless to say, I kicked into mama-mode. I updated my facebook status with a prayer request, called my husband and started praying. As I prayed, I found myself asking why. Why the outbreak of so many fires recently?

Over the last several weeks, Texas has had major fires and loss of land, property and lives. With the current drought and weather conditions favorable for acceleration, even a small spark could mean widespread devastation very quickly.

Please, God, no more fires. And not here.

News of containment brought relief to my anxious mama heart, but I knew God was speaking to me of another fire...

I am guest posting today for Jen at Finding Heaven. Please click here to read this post in its entirety.

Linking with Emily at Imperfect Prose.