observations on... comparison.



Confession.  One of my favorite things to do is people watch. 

 

Come on... admit it.  You do it too.  Don't leave me hanging, y'all.

 

You can imagine my amusement when I have a week of "observations" during student teaching.  During that week, I am the assistant to my teacher and just observe the teaching, strategies, and interactions between students.

 

Wanna know one of the most interesting things I've found?  5th grade girls have already begun the art of comparison. 

 

Comparing test scores, comparing ponytails, comparing crazy socks... you name it. 

 

Sadly, we, as adults, are guilty of it too.  And are probably the main source of where they learn comparison.  We compare careers, husbands, DIY projects, hair tutorials... dear God, it's just exhausting to write out the list.

 

As I watched these young girls, it absolutely killed me.  Young, full of potential, so much life ahead of them.

 

Then, as God normally does, he sent a sign my way in the form of this scripture.

 

Galatians 5 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible.  I often turn to it just when I'm needing to read scripture.  To be honest, this verse had never caught my eye before.  It could be because it's the last verse of the chapter.  Or it could be because it hadn't spoken to me before.

"Let us not desire glory... provoking one another... envying one another."

Every single one of us are guilty of comparison, envy, jealousy.  It's a nasty thing.  I catch myself doing more than I'd like to admit.

Then it finally hit me.  Why can't we just be happy for one another?

Why do we constantly feel like we have to be better than the other?

Why don't we just enjoy where we're at in life... and not be jealous of where somebody else is?

"Comparison is the thief of joy." 

How true is that?

Upon seeing these observations within these young girls, I have begun to seriously pray for God to take away the envy that I too often feel.  It is only robbing myself of my happiness.  My joy.

I've read several articles recently on how social media has only enhanced our feelings of envy and jealousy.  And while I have no doubt that our modern-day society has influenced our mastery of comparison, I also know that it's no excuse.

Do you often feel this way?!

I hope I'm not alone in this struggle.  I hope you'll join me in my journey to rid myself of comparison.

Silence & Support

Today is a blogger day of silence and support in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary.

 

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.
ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

the prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O, Lord, may I not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.


may this be a blessing to you as it was to me.

Christmas Decor Tour {our first year}

As promised, here is the "tour" of our Christmas decor.  Since this is our first Christmas, there isn't a whole lot of decor around... but I'm confident that it will accumulate over time and, I gotta admit, I'm in love with what we do have :)

 

First, and foremost, our tree.

 

Burlap bow, wedding date ornament, monogrammed ornament, burlap/popcorn/deco mesh garland, burlap tree skirt

Our kitchen... Noel/reindeer dish towels

snowman vase with red berry pick

mini tree on our counter

In the living room... Snowman figurine/Baked Apple Pie candle/winter bouquet from my momma :)

Red/green M&M's in a mason jar... it's necessary, ya know.

Tree quilt made by Nate's grandmother

Monogrammed stocking -- our one and only

Outdoors... Christmas tree doormat (I realize that it is dirty, but I like to keep it real and I wasn't about to brush off some dirt!)

Deco mesh wreath

Sign at the end of the driveway

And there you have it... we are ready for Santa :)

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On an unrelated note, I feel it is important to mention the tragedy which occured in Connecticut today.  As a future educator who spent the entire semester with Kindergarteners, it literally disugsts me to hear this story unfold.  I refuse to get into politics but I will say that it takes a sick, cowardly man to commit that kind of evil.  God bless those families and may we remember them in our prayers!

{four-one-one}

Good morning lovelies!  I am rocking some McD's coffee, a hat, messy hair, and little make-up today...

just one of the many perks of being a student worker at WKU -- life is good!

Like many other bloggers, I'm participating in the Blogger 411 link-up with From Mrs to Mama.  I hope you'll join in on the fun, too :)

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?
I started blogging in the Spring of my freshman year at WKU - I think March 2010, to be exact.  My friend, Emily, had a blog and I always loved reading hers and others so I finally broke down and bit the bullet.  I wanted a blog just to remember this time in my life... and I'm so glad I have!  Even today, I love looking back at old blog posts and remembering things I have forgotten about.  It will be so fun to look back at all of my wedding posts in several months so I can remember all the feelings I've had over the past few months.  My blog has changed names.  My first title was A Lifetime of Laughter.  I kept it for about a year and then changed it last Spring to Lace, Pearls, & Camo because it is truly fitting with my life! 

2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
I am currently a senior at Western Kentucky University and I'm majoring in Elementary Education.  I cannot believe that my college graduation is rapidly approaching.  I have so enjoyed my time here at WKU!

3. Where have you traveled?
Not much of a traveler -- I tend to like to stay-cations as a way to save money and totally relax.  However, I have been to the Smoky Mountains, Orlando (Disney World), Cincinatti, Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and many major cities here in KY.

the infamous teacups at Disney -- the trip was completely paid for by my high school due to attending a Leadership Conference

4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
I would pay off the remaining balance on the Camry and our farm... then we would probably buy more land for farming purposes and build a house.

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?
People who are late (punctuality is important to me), people who cannot drive properly (to my standards - of course), and people who look down on my way of life (just because I'm country doesn't mean I'm an idiot, y'all)
;)

6. What is your favorite movie?
City of Angels... followed closely by anything with Sandra Bullock or Reese Witherspoon

7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?
Water, Diet Mountain Dew, and any fruity alcoholic beverage.  I can't handle hard liquor and I hate beer!

8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?
Clean, sleep, or shop.

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?
Target.  Can I get an amen?

10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.
All of the many times that I have fallen here on campus when there has been snow or ice on the ground.  It happens every single time!

11. What day would you love to relive again?
There are 3, all for different reasons.  My high school graduation because I have never been prouder of myself.  My very first day of college because there is no way to describe the freedom that you feel.  And, of course, the day Nathan and I got engaged.  I cannot put into words the happiness and true joy that I felt!

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?
Reese Witherspoon

13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?
In high school, I was a babysitter and tutor for a young boy with ADHD -- such a rewarding job!  Since June 2009, I have been a part-time office assistant at WKU's Educational Leadership Doctoral Program -- this job has been a blessing to me in more ways than one.

14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

High School

College

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
Savannah, New York, London, The Rocky Mountains, the list could go on...

16. Show us the most current picture of you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you.

4th of July

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?
Personal life -- Happily married to my best friend for nearly 5 years living in the home we worked hard to build with a kid or two running around in their diapers.
Career/work -- Of course, I would be more than happy to still be teaching young kiddos.  But with the degrees I will pursue after undergrad completion, I would be thrilled to be working one-on-one with children who have learning and behavior disorders, a Math specialist for a school district, or even an academic advisor.  There are many options that I'm wanting to keep open for my career and I know God will lead me to the right one.
Have a fabulous day, friends!

PS - If you would, please send up a prayer today for Fiance's aunt.  She was diagnosed with brain cancer several months ago and the doctors did not give her a good report yesterday.  We know that all of this is in God's healing hands but appreciate every single prayer.  They truly need peace in this difficult situation!  Love to you all...



between a rock and a hard place

I debated on whether to post about this or not... I typically don't like to write about things that aren't "official" yet, but obviously I've chosen to.  Many of you may have picked up on this blog that Nathan and I only see each other on weekends.  A couple years ago, just months after he graduated college, he was blessed with an amazing job!  The only downside was that his working hours were 3pm - 11pm.  As a full-time student and part-time employee at WKU, most of the time I am on campus from 7:30am - 5:00pm.  A night class pushed that back even farther.  Anyway, the point is that our schedules don't collide during the week.  To be honest, it's worked out quite well for me to able to focus on my studies during the week and spend as much time as possible with him on the weekends.  But, we're both ready for a change.  We're getting married in just over 3 months and it would be an absolute dream for us to have similar schedules and a somewhat normal routine.

A couple of weeks ago he interviewed for a job that, in our eyes, couldn't be any more perfect.  His commute time would be cut in half, his hours would be so similar to mine, and he would only work 4 days per week.  He came away from the interview very confident, but we haven't heard a thing since.  They have yet to hire anyone so we're just playing a waiting game.

I am not writing this for a pity party. I am writing this in hopes that whoever reads this will pray for us. Pray for us to have patience in God's plan and to trust that He will take care of us. I have been going to God in prayer each time I think about the situation, but the "planner" in me just wants things to hurry along. I know that God just laughs at me each time I do that :)

I love the blog community and am such a believer in the power of prayer... there are so many things that can happen when you combine the two of them!

Have a fabulous Tuesday, friends... and thank you in advance :)

fear; what's it to ya?

Here's the post that I promised y'all.  I'm writing this with no idea how it will be organized and what exactly it will say.  I'm just hoping that the words will come to me.

Let me start by saying that, generally, I'm not a person who worries.  I know that the Lord is in control and have learned over the years to accept and embrace that.  However, a few weeks ago... I was really struggling.  Mainly due to the fact that in one year I'll be a college grad and desperately looking for a job.  We all know that the job market is not at it's best... but it's certainly disheartening when I feel like I turn on the TV each day and see that more funds have been cut for education.  For example, in the school system I attended, there will be a nearly $900,000 deficit next year.  Not the most encouraging news when you want to be a teacher.  Around this time, I picked up a book off my bookshelf that my parents got me for Christmas.  I had yet to read it, but the title certainly seemed to fit what I was going through.

Many of you have heard of Angie Smith... I hope you have.  She's an incredibly inspirational woman and I encourage you to find her website and read her story if you haven't.

Back to the book.  It was an answered prayer.  Each chapter is devoted to a different fear that women may experience.  The chapter titled, "Fear of Failure," certainly spoke to me.  Failure has been my biggest fear for as long as I can remember.  Angie shares bible stories and scripture about each aspect of fear in the chapters.  It was comforting for me to see that fear is an inevtiable part of human nature... it dates all the way back to the bible.  The important thing is learning how to deal with fear because it never truly disappears.

Throughout the past few weeks I have experienced peace with this issue. Yes, it is still in the back of my mind, but each time I feel the fear starting to set in... I just say a prayer and that's that. I know that God has a plan for my life and that he will guide me where I need to be.

If any of you out there are struggling like I was, get Angie's book and spend some QT with your bible.  I pray you find peace  :)

prayer request & TV

Happy Tuesday, friends!  Can I ask a favor?  My fiance's great-aunt found out yesterday that she has stage 3 brain cancer.  At this moment, they are trying to find her the best care possible.  Please pray for his entire family to receive the peace they need during this time.

I thought I'd share with y'all today some of my recent TV obsessions.  I don't watch a lot of TV (due to invasion of homework) but when I get hooked on a show, I'm done.

The Voice.  I'm sure this isn't a surprise to many of you.  I prefer this show hands-down to Idol because I love Blake Shelton.  End-o-story.

But today, I wanna talk about Christina.  I have complained the past year about how she needed to wear less make-up and stop killing her hair with all that bleach... you can verify with my Mom all my complaints.  To my satisfaction, the girl finally listened.  She has shown a much softer look in the past couple weeks as shown in the yellow dress.  What do you guys think?  I approve!

The Client List.  This series was based off the movie which was based off a true story.  Follow?  Well, for some reason, I became a huge fan of the movie so, of course, I'm watching the new series.  Granted, the story line is extremely controversial, but I can't seem to switch the channel when it comes on.  What is wrong with me? Haha!

What's consuming your TV screen and DVR these days?  I'm looking forward to having many hours during the summer to catch up on TV and reading.  Yippee!  Y'all give me some suggestions, pwease :)

PS - Do ya like the new layout?!



i needed this.

So what word could we use to describe my day so far? Oh yes, Monday. The comments from a person (who shall remain nameless) totally put my sunshiney mood down. I decided that instead of punching said person in the face, I'd bury myself in the Bible app on my iPhone. And I'm glad I did. I love how God works!

Philippians 4: 4-13, 20

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.


I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.


I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Here's to turning Monday around! Have a fabulous day :)

9/11 - what I remember

10 years ago.

I was a baby, only 10 years old in 5th grade. Yet I can remember a lot.

I remember the looks on my teacher's faces.
I remember that even though I couldn't fully comprehend what was going on, this day would change all of our lives.
I remember the stories of bravery and courage.
I remember the stories of loss.
I remember the stories of hope.
I remember the anger I felt towards "the bad guys."
I remember the images I saw on TV... and I couldn't believe them.
I remember the pride I felt to be an American.

Our country has changed so much in the past 10 years. I don't remember a world where terrorism wasn't a common word. We have had setbacks in this country but we are still here. Still strong.


I am forever thankful and grateful to live in this country and for the people who keep me safe every day.

my town

I am writing this today with a heavy heart and many prayer requests. My little county was hit pretty hard with tragedy over the weekend as we have been many times before. I cannot tell you the emotions and tragedies we had to deal with when I was in high school. Too many lives taken too young. I ask for prayer for these three families.

Brandy Day.


Beautiful girl, isn't she? She was in a serious car accident at the end of last week and was transported to Vandy immediately. She has a broken leg in two places along with two broken ribs. Thankfully, she was able to come home yesterday. Pray for a fast recovery and healing so this girl can continue her freshmen year of college.

Tragically, a 14-year-old committed suicide yesterday afternoon. He was still in middle school. The reasons are unknown and the details have not, and probably should not, be released. Pray for this young boy's family and his friends who are suffering through this at such a young age.

Hannah Blunk.


This picture brings all sorts of emotions to me. Hannah was involved in a car accident Sunday afternoon and, unfortunately, passed away. Her beautiful daughter is only nine months old. She was engaged to be married next May. Hannah was just a year ahead of me in school and while I never knew her well personally, I know she has touched the lives of so many people. Pray for her family, friends, fiance, and daughter during the dark days ahead.

The rain over the past few days has been symbolic. Our county is in mourning for these families. One of the greatest things about living in a small town is the people. Always there with a helping hand and a prayer. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I guess that's the one positive thing coming from all of this... gratefulness. I am so grateful this afternoon to just be able to live and for all the love I receive from so many people. This life is so great and I take too many things for granted. Times like these remind me of how blessed and lucky I am.

Please keep these families in your prayers for quite a while. I cannot begin to grasp the range of emotions they are feeling.

I learn from these tragedies that we will never fully understand God's plan and reasons why, but we're not supposed to. If we never turn our back on Him, it will all be ok. His plan is much greater than ours could ever be!

A Favor and A Prayer

I will not be doing my usual weekend recap today. Instead I am asking for a favor and a prayer, not for me. A few years ago I was shocked with the story of a young boy in my hometown who was diagnosed with Leukemia. He has fought very hard over the past 3 years but met his God last night. It comforts me to know that Robert is no longer suffering and has peace in Heaven but I haven't been able to get him or his family off my mind all day. I encourage you to read his full story by visiting his CaringBridge site HERE. You see, I am from a very rural and small county which I adore. Although it is frustrating for everyone to know your 'business' at times... we come together in a tragedy. My county has an aching heart right now and I am sure Robert's family has crossed each and every mind at some point over the last 12 hours. Please join me in prayer over the next few days as Robert's family undergoes an unimaginable amount of pain. We must remember that God has a reason for everything, but we aren't always supposed to know those reasons. God is in control.

4--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. 5--He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:4-5