Vulnerability

What is it? Vulnerability is the willingness to say I love you first, it's doing something where there's no guarantee that it's going to work out, and it's breathing through things you don't understand. It doesn't come easy for me, and sometimes calling it hard is an understatement. Are you scared of being that open with someone? I know that I often put some walls up when it comes to working with certain people, or trusting that someone is going to come through like they say they will. But, I believe that vulnerability actually makes you beautiful. I didn't say comfortable, I said beautiful. It is the birthplace of creativity and belonging and love. It comes at a high cost, but has an even higher reward.

Why do we numb vulnerability sometimes? When we do that, we are trying to numb our emotions. Do you see the problem with that? You just can't numb emotion. So, when you try, you're also going to numb joy and gratitude and happiness. Then, believe it or not, you'll be miserable again looking for purpose and meaning all over again, when what you really want is just to be vulnerable. Jesus calls us to freedom in him.

What can you do?

Let yourself be deeply seen.

Love with your whole heart, even though there is no guarantee.

Practice gratitude and joy.

We should all say with confidence, I. Am. Enough.

You'll have to excuse me, because I'm about to go sneak into Truett's room while he sleeps to tell him that he's worthy of love, no matter what he does to mess things up along the way, and that he certainly, certainly belongs.

Dear Readers, today I worked on a few fun things for the office at work. Ashley (my roomie at work) and I got some fun new birch desks and some new orange chairs and a bright green rug. Needless to see we're doing a bit of a rehaul, so of course we need some new creative stuff to go in the Learning Office! Here was the beginnings of some letters for the wall...which will eventually spell learn, so ALMOST...the poor little N is dragging behind.

And everyone needs a splash of color...
I made a lot other projects too, but I don't think you need to see every single pic, right?

Glossy bright picture frames

Striped Pencil cup

Yellow glossy lamp revamp with spray paint

Paper bins covered with bright colors of the rainbow

heart garland for my desk

...and a lot of other stuff

I'll try to snag a pic of our finished office once everything is set up next week sometime.

Happy crafting everyone!

Hello.

I'd like to share my favorite blog of all time with you: http://betterafter.blogspot.com/

You're welcome.

Baked Acorn Squash

Have you ever had one? If you're not sure you'll like it, try out this easy recipe and take a little risk! :)

You'll need:

1 acorn squash

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp brown sugar

1. Preheat your oven to 350. In a 9x11 pan (or something a little smaller is okay too) put just a little water in the bottom of the pan so that it covers (maybe 1/4 inch). Cut your squash in half just like this and place it face DOWN into the water. This will help it absorb the water and cook without burning the edges. Put it in the oven for 30 minutes.

2. Take out your squash. Flip over the halves face up (careful...they're hot!) and add 1 Tbsp butter and brown sugar to each half. Cook for an additional 20 minutes. Wahla!

3. After these cook, it's best to mash up the middles and stir in the melted soupy mixture. It tastes better! I don't cook with butter all that often, but this recipe is worth it!

Life is precious

My devotions today were so spot on. Never in my life have I felt like God was writing a book based on each day of my life, one day at a time, just for me. I have been struggling with keeping Truett on a schedule, and it sometimes wears me out always rearranging things to make sure he is taken care of. I sure don't mind the busyness and I LOVE taking care of him, but it is hard to let go of the schedule at times because I find such comfort in knowing what to expect, when so much of life these days is unexpected. And then came my morning whispers from God from Jesus Calling (which I highly recommend)...

"Do not fear changes, for I am making you a new creation, with old things passing away and new things continually on the horizon. When you cling to old ways and sameness, you resist My work within you. I want you to embrace all that I am doing in your life, finding your security in Me alone. It's easy to make an idol out of routine, finding security within the boundaries you build around your life. Although each day contains 24 hours, every single one presents a unique set of circumstances. Don't try to force-fit today into yesterday's mold. Instead, ask Me to open your eyes, so you can find all I have prepared for you in this precious day of Life."

HELLO!

I heart being an aunt

They're adorable...and related to me, thank goodness.
I love my nephew and niece. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the day.
So glad I got these moments with them.

McKennon and Audrey, your Aunt Michelley loves you!

New White Dishes?

Hello dear readers,

I hope your Saturday is all that you dreamed it would be and more! I am needing some friendly advice, and thought I would tap into your limitless friendly opinions as a first resort. Jonathan and I are looking for some new classy white dishes. I've searched high and low and was wondering where you've seen cool designs? I think Bed, Bath, & Beyond has a huge selection, but thought maybe you would know of some other modern options. Target, Macy's, Dillards, Pottery Barn? I just don't even know where to start? Any ideas from my fellow designistas would be welcomed with wide open arms. :)

Much love!

Michelle