**The winner of a copy of, “In This House We Will Giggle” is Alicia Merritt. Congratulations Alicia! For the rest of y’all, 10,000 points! I was blown away by y’alls kind words and thoughtful comments. blessed.**
I know an apology isn’t necessary, but something inside me feels I should apologize for not writing my stories and thoughts in this space lately.
Perhaps the best way to explain is not so much an excuse, but a list of where you could find my stories happening. . .
1. I’ve been writing what God’s doing in my heart, over here (Facebook page)
2. I’ve been writing about the boys and life and great recipes, over here (Instagram)
3. I’ve been interviewing amazing people and sharing their goodness with you, over here (iTunes) & here (Stitcher).
4. I’ve been counseling and discipling women . . . in real life. In my living room. In a church hallway. In the gym locker room. Over real coffee (not virtual coffee clubs).
5. I’ve been studying God’s Word (Moses’ life) . . .with real women, on Wednesday mornings at Bible Study Fellowship. And teaching God’s Word to preschoolers on Sunday mornings. And praying God’s Word with friends, Wednesday nights.
6. I’ve been training and loving and serving my boys. Baking cookies on a Monday afternoon. Gathering on the couch to read a favorite Christmas book. Going on adventures around Dallas.
7. I’ve been caring and connecting with my husband. Stopping to sit on the couch together, laughing at a pointless (much-needed) sitcom. Lingering a little longer in the kitchen, as he washes dishes and shares his day. Making time to get the oil change during the week to save his time on the weekend.
8. I’ve been making our house more of a home. . .not just pinning on Pinterest, but decorating and organizing. Creating peaceful spaces and comforting places around our home.
9. I’ve been making my health a priority. Spending less time online and more time with Him. Buying a week’s worth of salads and drinking Kombucha. Meeting a friend at the gym for my favorite dance class. Picking up that novel I started back in the summer and never got past chapter 1.
See. Told ya I didn’t need to make excuses. Just give you a peek into how I’m owning my life. Choosing to focus on what I feel matters most.
One of my favorite authors, Sally Clarkson, has a new book coming out in January. She is the one who inspired me to “Own My Life”. In fact, after I heard her speak on the topic I immediately texted five friends to see if we could start meeting every other week.
If you are looking ahead to 2015 and wanting your days to not just “happen” but to have meaning and value, then maybe you should check out Sally’s book and pre-order a copy (here).
Hi Heather! This is my first time commenting on your blog. I have been following you since April and just LOVE your heart! For such a young momma, you are so wise! Wish I knew you in person even though through your podcasts, blog, Instagram I feel I do. Love so many of your podcasts!!! Your dad seems soooo sweet! Loved donut dates.. One of my favorites! Love love your interviews with Leslie Johnson! She sounds so loving and wise. I also follow Kat Lee and can’t get enough of her goodness as well! There are many more, I could go on and on! You all are such Godly and wise women. Thank you thank you for what you do. I wish I would have had half of the heart you have at your age. I’m an older mom(47) with three beautiful kiddos 16,13, and 9. Was raised Catholic but feel like only in the past 5 years or so that I’m developing a personal relationship with our Lord:) I hope someday I can attend a conference and meet you ladies in person. I’d be a little star struck though!! Lol!! Love your humor too. Keep doing all of your good stuff! You have a beautiful gift! Thanks for sharing it and thanks for sharing your adorable family with us readers/listeners! You and your husband are awesome!! Merry Christmas!
Sincerely, Angie Anzalone
wow, Angie! what an overwhelming blessing to read your words. humbled. by God’s grace alone am I in the place I find myself today. thank you for your encouragement. grateful to hear you love all the people I love! And even more grateful to hear you are growing in your relationship with the Lord. . .that is truly the source of grace, truth and wisdom. blessings friend.
Hi Heather- I love your blog, your podcasts and your honesty and real life. You inspire me! I have been thinking and praying a lot about my priorities and what I want my life to look like. I can’t wait to read this new book by Sally Clarkson. Thanks for sharing!
thank you shonda for your encouragement. glad to hear you have been making time to think through priorities. . . sometimes it’s stopping to evaluate where we are spending our time that is the catalyst to changing how we spend our time. Sally has inspired me so much in learning the balance of self-care and serving my family. I look forward to reading this latest book as well!
I came across your blog last night – or maybe it was today – but I can’t remember where I saw it (which shouldn’t come as a surprise since I can’t distinguish between last night and today in my memory). I’m a fan of podcasts, so I’m glad to have found one to encourage me in these ways. So when you meet with your friends, do you meet as a group or one-on-one? Do you meet with your kids around? Do you meet in one of your homes or go out? Do you have set discussions? Obviously a little curious over here.
So glad you found me! and that you’ve been blessed by what you’ve found. I’ve met one-on-one with people on a regular schedule until no longer necessary. In that case we’ve met in the morning over at my house while the kids played (on mornings I only have 1 boy at home). I’ve also met with a small group of gals in my home, in that case it’s at night. I’ve done Bible studies together (Beth Moore). I’ve also just gotten together to have a time to chat. love the questions!