But first, Let me take a Selfie

Guys, let me tell you about my mom. This lady oozes the fruits of the spirit. A classy lady who loves her family. Would do anything for her family...almost to a fault. She is the kind of mother I want to be. Patient. Graceful. Fun. Loving. I think you get it...she's pretty awesome!

This past weekend Colton was (and still is) in Dallas. So Mom and I got to hang out freely. Which we did the last time he was in Dallas. So what did we do? We went to the Rangers vs Astros game and proudly cheered the Rangers to victory!!! But not just that. We talked about life. And our goals. Our current struggles. We laughed a lot. It was wonderful. She gave me more advice on raising Colton, which I eagerly took. 

My encouragement to you is several things. 1) If possible, hang out with your mom. And if she's like mine, listen to her. 2) Find and spend time with someone who is older than you, has been in your shoes. And if she's like mine, listen to her. 

You'd be amazed the things you will learn, the things God will teach you through her. Because every time I come away from spending time with her, I'm challenged to do better, to be better. 

I love you Mom! Let's hang out again soon! But first, let me take a Selfie. 

Keep Calm and Go To The Spa

Today's post hits on a number of aspects that I'm working on to live a more intentional life. I have been blessed to have my parents so close, the majority of Colt's life. So many times I would be struggling, exhausted, frustrated...trying to be a good mom. My mother would gently nudge me out of the house, telling me to take some time for myself, cool off.  To come back with a fresh start. And it always helped. 

These last few weeks at work have been a bear...which meant I was coming home to Colton with bear-like characteristics! Thankfully I was able to ship him off to Dallas for a week, which ensured his survival. This past Friday was the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Once I got to Friday, I knew things would somewhat calm down...a bit. And they did. 

So what did I do as my "act" of intentional living? I scheduled a massage for last night. Here's what all that entailed:

1) Planning ahead. (I actually called last week to schedule this, and asked Mom to watch Colt somewhat in advance!) I'm not the best at this. I'm more of a last minute kind of gal.  Some might call that being spontaneous. But really it's just me not wanting to commit to anything too far in advance.

2) Take some time for myself. Give myself the opportunity to regroup, start fresh, do something for me. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not starved for "me time".  But this was something extra. And man did I feel good afterward!

So here's my advice to you. Do something for you. Take a break. Walk away from the mess for a bit. Don't worry, it will still be there when you get back. But I can promise that you will tackle it with a different mindset. And hopefully it will help you to do less "reacting", which is definitely something I'm working on. 

A Good Laugh and A Long Sleep

I've found myself wanting...needing...to live a more Intentional Life.  This whole trying-to-survive-the-day business is for the birds.  Watching the clock, counting down the hours, wishing for my bed...all of these seem to have found their way into my every day life.  And I don't know about you, but I don't like it.  Life is a gift!  Each new day is a blessing.  God put me here, in this moment, for a reason.  

I have the privilege of being Mommy to a little man, that is every day moving closer to being a "man".  So while he's in my care, while he's still mine to help mold, I better pray that I'm being the best "molder" that I can be. 

So here's my challenge, my goal.  Each day I want to document something, anything, that contributes to living a more intentional life...one that will affect Colton and me...my work life and home life.  It doesn't have to be life changing.  It can be anything.  Reading God's Word.  Saying a prayer.  Giving a smile when I'd rather give the finger!  Planning and cooking a meal vs grabbing fast food.  Going to the gym.  Saying an extra "I love you".  Listening.  Shoot, actually paying attention to a story I could care less about!  Giving my time.  Being authentic...being real.  Following through.  Disciplining.  Taking a walk and talking about life.

You get it.  Not just trying, but doing.  Succeeding.  

So I'll start with this picture:

I find myself praying for patience almost daily.  I don't know why, but God saw fit to NOT make me perfect.  And in doing so, left out the proper amount of patience one would need when raising an independent, strong-willed boy.  Really, he probably did it to keep me grounded and remind me that He will supply all of our needs...including patience.  So why this picture?  I guess it's a reminder that each day has a beginning and an end.  When times are tough, take a deep breath instead of reacting to the situation.  Remind myself of all of the crazy goodness in my life!  Don't take everything so seriously.  What may seem like "the end of the world" or a huge situation, is only that big in that moment.  

Folks, I am a lover of laughing...it does wonders for the soul.  Try it!  You'll agree!  You can't tell me that listening/watching a baby laugh that guttural laugh doesn't put a smile on your face.  It's a good dose of medicine for sure.  And if that's not enough, a good nap will fix anything. 

Here's to being Intentional.  Here's to living life.  One day at a time.

-deborah