Capturing Memories...for You!

Since I was a teenager, I have been the one with the camera. When someone is putting together a slideshow for their wedding, graduation, or even when a family member passes, they come to me for recent pictures. This has always been an honor for me because my goal when taking pictures is to capture life as it is to remember later.

This is my sister and her family. I went over to visit one day and wanted to capture the beautiful chaos of her life. I know that time passes quickly, and soon enough the memories of life as a toddler mom will start to fade. In some ways the situation wasn't ideal, my brother-in-law was working a weird shift and had just gotten home, my sister was heading out to get groceries, the kids were all full of post-breakfast energy vying for daddy's attention...

And we won't even mention granddaddy coming for a visit.

On the other hand, this is regular life at her house: unplanned and full of surprises!

These unposed moments bring smiles to the faces of those who have spent time with kids-especially active ones like these!  

This cute sharing moment ended in juice spilled all over the floor.

I hope you enjoyed that little sneak peek! This whole time I've been gathering my nerve for some news that may be of interest to you! I am now booking family lifestyle sessions for 2017! If you're in the Jonesboro or surrounding area of Georgia I would love to discuss with you what packages I offer. Sessions start at $150 and I'm so excited to bring you beautiful photographs you will cherish for years to come. Contact me HERE (hello[at]elisabetharona.com) if you're ready to get more info or grab your slot. If that's not up your alley and you just want to be friends forever or be a part of my crazy life, follow me on Instagram (@elisabetharona) or even sign up for a monthly letter from me HERE.

Oh, and in case you didn't notice, I changed the blog. Same place, different address! What do you think?

Until next time,
Lizzi

Starting the shop up...Again

So I have added a couple things to my shop! I read a quote in a book that said "Don't wait until everything is perfect to start, just start!" It's really hard for me, and without even realizing it, I've been struggling with that for a long time. It tempers my creativity so much when I start worrying what people will think, and how silly the shop will look with only a few things (who am I kidding, it looks sillier empty.) I've spent too much time paying attention to others and what they're capable of, and downplaying what I can do, that I crippled myself! Ugh, but enough focus on that. Here are some of the recent pictures, I'm gonna kinda let them stand alone and hope you come visit my shop!

Weird Wednesday: Cats Who Claim Businesses

On the way home from running errands (meaning visiting the library and Chick-Fil-A) we stopped for some chips at CVS and saw a strange sight. This plump kitty was dozing by the entrance of the door. I'm not sure what popular opinion is about feeding strays, but I shared a bit of my breakfast burrito with it. I wonder what people thought of me taking pictures of the sweet thing.

If I didn't have a very opinionated cat at home already, I probably would have carried it home with me. Although I regularly see families of cats at the post office and even some restaurants, this was the first time one claimed a place in such an obvious way. Does anyone know what the protocol is for stray cats?


Post edited to add that I went into a favorite restaurant, and the owner (my friend) was complaining about a cat that got dropped off behind the building. I don't even know the gender, but the cat is beautiful bright white and very friendly. If anyone in GA wants a kitty too adopt, let me know! 

Seasoned with Salt and Speaking to Strangers

If you have ever read my blog, you know that I have never made a secret of my struggle with acne and the resulting hyper-pigmentation; however, I'm not sure if I have told about the many times I've been approached about it by friends and strangers alike. 

As you can see, the hyper-pigmentation is pretty obvious. 

I was at Lowe's with my family. The purpose was to take my 2-year-old niece to get some pink flowers so she'd have her own garden (she's been claiming gardens as her own and picking the pink flowers.) Anyway, as we headed to the register, I was waylaid by a black lady I would guess to be in her 50s. Since I had a camera hanging around my neck, I assumed she was going to ask about it. Instead, she simply said, "Your face, what do you use on it?" 

I groaned inwardly. I've had too many of these experiences to be shocked, and yet I worked at Chick-Fil-A long enough to feel I have to be polite to everyone. I opened my mouth to answer. 

"My grandson has that same problem." she stated.

I again took a moment, and thinking a little more of her now that I knew she had a point besides selling some products or nosiness, I replied, "It was worse than this. I have a hormone imbalance, and it causes acne, but once the acne is gone it leave these marks behind. They take awhile to go away."

 "You should try cocoa butter." She said.

"I haven't tried that," I answered "but I'm supposed to be wearing sunscreen, and I didn't all summer. Almost everything that helps the marks makes your skin sensitive to the sun." I admitted. 

She thanked me for that tip, because black people still neglect sun protection for the most part.We were settling into the conversation, and she started asking if I knew anything about eczema and when I told her yes, she wanted me to write down what I suggested for it. 

 Somehow, this lady managed to make me feel chastened (for not doing what I know to do for my face), and yet uplifted. This is a rarity when it come to discussions about my face, it is a very tender subject for me! With that being said, I would suggest that she start off the conversation in a different way next time, And I won't lie about wanting to go straight home and slather on sunscreen and makeup or just hide under my covers... but I could tell that her heart was in the right place and I'm gonna try that cocoa butter! 

We are so quick (me included) to get upset because we think we know where someone is coming from, but sometimes grace and a hearing ear are called for. My verse of the week is from Colossians 4:6 and says "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." 

It's okay, I'm "flawsome" and so are you. 

What experiences have you had with strangers approaching you? Have they been mostly negative or positive? Tell me below in the comments!

Foundation, concealer, and cleanser, oh my!

Today I'm going to talk about something that I'm far from an expert on, but that I learned by necessity. You are probably aware that I have PCOS; although it does not define me, it is a part of my life that I have to acknowledge exists in more ways than I want. I love eye makeup, but I started wearing foundation and concealer because of my hyper-pigmentation left from acne breakouts. Also for another post, will be the comments that I get sometimes just walking around without makeup. My first concealer was Kat Von D concealer and I loved it! It didn't take me long to realize that it was causing breakouts, and I found out later that it is not the best for those who are prone to acne or have picky skin like me. Always google the customer reviews of things you're not sure about if you have sensitive skin. 

Fast forward to about a year ago, my friend (who is a makeup artist) suggested I try NARS foundation. Y'all, I'm not even gonna lie, $50 is expensive to this thrift store shoppin' and yard sale lovin' girl...SO I bought their concealer and found a cheap foundation elsewhere. The concealer is good, but it's not gonna work all by itself if you're trying to cover up some hard core marks like I was! I wanted to put concealer on the more recent marks, and then cover the fading ones all over with a good foundation.

Without makeup

A few months ago I went back and had one of Sephora's special skin match tests done. These things are so embarrassing for me, because I feel like they can't get a proper reading with the dark marks! I was brought two possible matches for the "full-coverage" that I had requested. One was NARS. I slathered each side of my face with a different brand, asked a few random passersby for their opinions, and settled on the NARS foundation. I can't even describe how much I love it and find it worthy of my hard-earned money! It is unique in that the instructions tell you to rub it between your hands and apply-WITH YOUR HANDS-but it does go on very nicely. I like that it isn't weird colored, you know all the shades and undertones that become even more obvious with black girl skin and brown foundations! I wanted one that had more gold undertones instead of the pink or sometimes greyish look makeup gives me. It is very light feeling and almost watery in comparison to some, but that makes layering an option if you're extra funny about every any flaws being invisible. I find that one layer works and I can wear it all day without worrying about needing to reapply.

The only problem I ran into was getting it off. It seemed like the usual cleansers weren't working, so at Sally's one day, I asked a sales associate what she had that would help. She picked up a tub of Queen Helene cleansing creme and said "This will get anything off, and it's what I use."

Dear Sally's associate, thank you for saving my skin. I love you.

Sincerely,

Elisabeth

With a quick application of my new foundation just to run out the house.

Does that describe well enough how I feel about it? Little tip: it leaves your skin soft and supple, but I think you should consider washing it off before you jump your butt into bed...Also sometimes I don't if I'm feeling lazy, and it hasn't caused any breakouts. So that's my makeup story. I hope that it has helped you some! If you have any tips for blush or (more) eyeshadow that you love, tell me about it in the comments! 

Smart Succulent (or any plant) Purchasing

Are you here because of those totally dreamy succulents I posted on Instagram?

Whether you are or not, you're gonna want to hear this if you like a good deal. Now, first a little disclaimer: I am not a professional; in fact, I am a reformed black thumb. The only thing that's important though, is that I am working on being a true blue gardener slowly but surely...AND that there is a less expensive way to purchase plants.

Some of the succulents I purchased and re-potted today.

You may remember from this post how I said that I started a tree seedling business for/with my dad. Well, since then, I've kinda gained a newfound interest in plant life! Seeing my garden grow from seeds might have helped as well. Secretly, I've always loved succulents, but was too afraid to try growing my own. Since a few months ago when I bought an aloe plant-which has been thriving-I became convinced that I can indeed grow them.

Agh, get to it already Elisabeth! Okay, so today I went with Momma (the true gardener) to buy some succulents, and as I veered in that direction she said, "Wait, first we need a buggy, and then we're going to the specials."

Woe.

What?

Around my house, that means something. Dirt cheap. Saving money. Pinchin' pennies. Deals. Extra ice cream money y'all! So, at Lowe's (and other places like it-so I've heard) there are shelves with plants that are not doing well. They're significantly marked down in the hopes that they will sell quickly and not be a total loss. Big stores don't have time for one-on-one plant-sitting. Usually these will be in a less obvious place, so that IF you know about the specials you'll pass all the beautiful blossoming flowers first and find them irresistible. Today, lots of plants were marked down to a dollar!

So what are you waiting for? Oh, more tips! You know me well. If you have a specific plant in mind, find out when it is going out of season, or finished blooming. They become significantly less attractive and much more difficult to sell, and will likely be marked down. If you're a succulent hunter, look for plants that have had "babies" or spread; it is fairly common, and you're basically getting 2+ for the price of one-you can separate them at home like I did. Lastly, late fall is when stores are in a hurry to get rid of their live plants. During the winter, the people that rush in to beautify their yards in the spring (inexperienced) don't even bother the garden section, so the plants will be marked down like crazy.

Did that help you any at all? I hope so. I like to pass on anything that I learn, and I would love to hear any bits of knowledge you can add to this! Lemme know in the comments! 

A Bright Idea

A few weeks ago I received a text message from a friend in another state. It was unusual because we're friends but keep in touch mostly through the occasional Facebook comment. She asked me something about sewing, and I got nervous. Since I've had the chance to do custom work and it has bitten me in the butt more than once, I don't feel the initial excitement anymore.

She sent me some pictures of some pretty simple skirts, and I told her they were totally doable. We started talking prices, and then she got to the really cool part: She wants an African print skirt! As you know, Hancock fabrics closed down this week, but I was mentally going through the store trying to remember if I'd seen any of those. I was pretty sure I hadn't. Going by there, I realized I was right and they didn't have the fabric, but I did find a pattern on sale! I can't resist passing these sales on to customers and see them get excited too! 

Fast forward to a couple days ago, and I went by the discount fabric store (don't let the name fool you, seriously) and there it was! I am absolutely looking forward to this project now. My friend couldn't decide because there were three rows of assorted fabrics like the one below! COLOR!

What new (or old) projects are you looking forward to this summer? 

How My Garden Grows

Here in the South especially, so much is said through tone and facial expression. One word can hold the meaning of a sentence. With all that being said:

Y'all...

Seriously, I had no idea that things would take off as they did where my garden is concerned. Also, did I mention the business of selling tree seedlings? Yeah, well running that business turned out to be work, because things were selling really well!

Potato plant grown from an old potato

 Dad left me completely in charge of replying to inquiries because he was at his 9-5 and didn't have time to research the answers. I've spent almost as much time on the computer as I've spent shipping plants from Monday through Thursday. I didn't realize that I could be obsessive until now. I checked and rechecked tracking to be sure the plants arrived quickly, researched several different sources before answering questions, and looked up different plants I was considering selling.
Then the first person with a complaint emailed; he said that he thought his persimmon seedling was dead. It had only taken two days to reach him so I was skeptical, but then I researched it and realized that if the plant sat on his porch for a couple hours it could easily wilt. Reading further I found that it's just now a good idea to ship through summer, so from June 1st through September 1st I get a break! I'm using this time to reorder, and also to reconsider.
I hope that through diligent planning, I can start sewing and begin my own business before the year is over. Perhaps if I set up my schedule early, I can be prepared in advance to have time-even just a couple hours a day! As you can see, by my garden I also meant my life in general! I've just joined an Instagram challenge that starts next week. Most of the time I just feel too worn out to take "perfect" pictures and I'm hoping that the challenge will actually help me out because I would like to use Instagram effectively for my business as well!

Anyway, I'll leave you with this picture of my squash. Look over here to see what they started out looking like...And no, I haven't stopped being awestruck by them or talking to them to "help them grow". 

The love that burdens us

Mom, Dad, and I were gathered in the living room while the girls washed the dishes. After a serious conversation about some solutions to some recent difficulties with the girls, Dad suggested we pray before he headed to bed. This is not at all unusual, and so I bowed my head with some resignation. Here is where we hand our cares over to God, and it is especially necessary today of all days.

You know the feeling from when you're a child, and you can't even vocalize how tired, and upset, and overwrought you are? It was in those moments that I would go to one of my parents and just lay my head on them, because they would understand. This was me tonight. Laying my head on God, hoping he would feel sorry for me. Then Daddy said, "Thank you God for the love that burdens us."

Huh?

I mentally ran that through my mind again, mouthing it at the same time. 

The love that burdens us. 

Look y'all, novels are written about love. All kinds of love. But mostly happy love. The kind that you would scale mountains and cross oceans for (to be very cliche) just to experience the euphoria it gives you.

Today I was disappointed by one of my sisters. She broke my trust, and really made me question my ability to guide her. Let's be real, I'm not experienced as a mother. I've taken over most of their training, all of their schooling, and decide much of their outside activities all by happenstance in a time of need. As my parents get older and don't like to drive, and enjoy the freedom of having grown children, it has fallen almost naturally on me. Both girls ask my permission before my parents, and the need to get this "right" is like nothing I have experienced before. The guidance of young lives is a responsibility that is indescribable. 

But today I cried in the car to Lauren Daigle's song "Trust in you" as I ate beef jerky that I'd impulse bought. I tried to analyze my feelings and decide if I was overreacting. I fought the urge to immaturely ignore her every time she spoke to me. 

True love is something we carry with us always. The love I have for these girls is a living thing. It encompasses my every interaction with them whether good or bad. The hopes I have for their futures and the kinds of people I want them to be, is all because I love them. Before them, I didn't have love like this. It's different from my other sisters in so many ways. I dissect conversations we have and question decisions I make regularly! I rejoice in their successes as if they were mine, in some ways they are! Sometimes love hurts y'all, I'm just being honest. It consumes our minds and jacks up our emotions, but I wouldn't trade it in. I just wouldn't. It never occurred to me that not just growth comes through this part of love, but joy can. The part where the love you have for someone pulls at you and causes you to do things not for the bubbly feeling it gives you, but for their good! I'm learning. I want to be able to be truly thankful for every part of love, because without the lows, the highs become mundane. I want to be able to say, "Thank You for the love that burdens us." and truly truly mean it. 

Growing a green thumb

"I am not a gardener."

"I have a black thumb." 

I've heard these words so many times, and even said them myself. I was essentially saying, "Don't have your expectations too high when it comes to me growing plant life!" One thing I've always been confident in is my seed growing ability though. It doesn't require much, you basically put some seeds in dirt, water them with a spray bottle, and watch the seedlings pop up in a couple of weeks or less. This I could do. 

Transplanted yellow squash

But something changed recently. Every year Daddy grows tomatoes, as well as a few other veggies of his choosing. It is an understood fact that I will do nothing but pick and cook the fruit of his labors; I love the fact that he gets that! This year, Daddy decided that he would plant vegetables at our rental house and in the yard of an agreeable close friend...AND that he would start selling seedling trees from our backyard. After buying the dormant little trees and planting them he realized something: he needed to connect with buyers. He immediately thought of his daughter who constantly mentions things about blogs and instagrams, and Face books online (it's really like this y'all.) The rest is history.

 I bought some organic seeds and began to plant them in egg cartons to keep them from getting hit by a late (for the south) frost, and I jumped online and started setting up ebay, paypal, craigslist, instagram, and twitter accounts. With each seedling tree I listed, I had to google all about them. In the meantime my squash plants were growing quickly, and starting to lean on their spindly little stems. I called my aunt and asked her when I should plant them and she said, "Right now!". She gave me explicit instructions about the sun and soil and depth...

Basically, I found out that it isn't about having a green thumb. It's about having the diligence and care to commit to a project until it's finished. I had a black thumb before, because it didn't benefit me to check out five books from the library about every aspect of vegetable growing and seedling health--like I currently have.

 I've grown a green thumb! You can too, but it's gonna be work! Are you ready?

See what dad has going on over on Instagram if you'd like!

This was not the plan, but HE IS RISEN!

It was confusing and frustrating. 

She had come to mourn, but someone had stolen Master's body!

They were all hiding out. What are disciples without a leader?

This was not the plan!

Or was it? 

How often in the moments of feverish rushing, of preparation, and even of living for Christ, do we forget the important details? 

Good Friday was my birthday, Saturday before Easter was so busy with errands and shopping for the girl's Easter outfits that I stayed up until almost 3 AM Easter morning cooking and finishing last minute details. I went to sleep and woke up at 6. 

I am not a morning person. My hair wouldn't cooperate, I couldn't find the list of things that I needed to remember to do before I left, my mom was still sick and was staying home, one of the girls was on punishment and I wasn't feeling too charitable toward her. I might have muttered that I hated Easter. More than once. And I love Easter. 

This was not the plan! 

Or was it? 

I arrived at church way early which proves my stress level didn't even need to be so high. I realized halfway through church that I'd forgotten my earrings, half of my Sunday School kids didn't show up,  my dress kept dragging in puddles, and the Easter lily I bought especially for the pulpit table was moved to a much less noticeable place. But I also noticed that the man who walks to church and never dresses up was wearing a full suit, and had a fedora to match. Some of the teens' mom came for the first time and seemed to enjoy herself. No one minded me taking pictures of them and everyone was happy. 

Excitement was in the air!

This is the day specifically set aside to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord! After a preparatory week of pondering his love, and the lengths he went to to redeem us through His crucifixion, we arrive at this day of victory. The day good wins over evil. Love triumphs over hate. 

He is Risen! 

Everything went exactly according to plan. It's just that sometimes we forget that.

Oh and regarding Mary and the disciples, you can read the full story at it's source HERE. I promise, it's a good one. 

Happy Easter y'all. 

The little things (people)

I've had a rough week y'all. A rough month if I'm honest. I'm not sure if this is what growth or progress feels like, but it's hard and painful and stressful. When I got my business license in the end of January, I thought everything would fall into place. Suddenly I would have time. Instead, suddenly I became inundated with questions, requests, and responsibilities. I'll spare you the majority of the details, but two weeks ago my mom got sick and she remained down for two weeks. Today she is finally showing signs of improvement and I am coming up for air.
Today was not spent in the way my to do list demanded, but was instead filled with baby cuddles and kid-chasing. My mom was seen by the doctor, so my sister left her children with me and I struggled (and had a cookie from chick-fil-a and a second cup of coffee with extra cream and chocolate syrup in it to prove it.) But the smiles from my niece! The solemn statement from my almost-four-year-old nephew that he needed to put his gum up so his sister wouldn't get into it. The fact that my only nephew hadn't yet learned to sleep alone and currently has a hand flung across my forehead as I update my blog on my phone.
These things, little things, little people make me okay. Throughout my adulthood I've been blessed with little humans that are extra special. I don't always stop and appreciate them, but I try.

Saving money like a momma

First of all, let's get one thing straight.

I love saving money.

It's kinda like a hereditary thing. I went to yard sales and thrift stores before it became something amazing to do on tv. The sale rack is my first "department" to visit in a store. There is no shame in my money-saving game. Now that I've gotten carried away a little, behold these adorable boots I bought for my niece. Normally $30, I bought them for just over $8. The best part? BabyGirl (niece in question) wears a couple sizes smaller right now, so by the time winter rolls around she should fit right in them. This whole thought process proves that my brain is turning into a mommy brain as much as I fight it. My sister and I claim clothes to stay over our respective houses like we share custody of her children. I usually end up getting the raggedy play clothes, because they spend so much time outdoors here, and the nice new clothes mysteriously end up back at their house. 

Fast forward to today. I went to Goodwill Thrift Store to buy a top for A's Easter outfit. I wandered to the back and found some fabric bundles! This is the first time I've actually found any of these in a second-hand store. I thought it was like a unicorn that everyone but me managed to discover. I love two of the fabrics that came in this bundle, and it was $9! They're both 2+ yards. I'll figure out what to do with the others. 

What are some recent purchases you've made that left you feeling like you got the best deal in the world?  

Sowing Seeds

A little over a week ago, my mom and I took some egg cartons and began to fill them with dirt. Several packets of vegetable seeds had just arrived in the mail, so I was excited to plant them. I am not known for my ability to keep plants alive, but I'm great at growing seeds. This year we're planning to have all kinds of veggies and have even been allowed to plant at a friend's house! I read each instruction carefully before sprinkling them into the dirt, covering them, and soaking their new homes with water from a spray bottle. These moments are the ones I love with my mom, because playing in the dirt is her thing; that I enjoy it too a this stage is what makes it special. I think every girl secretly wants to share her mom's hobbies.

A few days ago I noticed tiny plants nudging their way out of the dirt, specks of green were just barely discernible at the surface. At this point you couldn't really tell what they were, but by the next morning they were actually little plants. The squash were the biggest, and I watched their container and encouraged their speedy growth with elation. My mom's seeds didn't fare so well. She thinks that the seeds were old, or not stored correctly. Her disappointment only lasted momentarily, because she will find more seeds, and plant them and try again.                         

It's the same way with children. I was discussing schoolwork with a friend yesterday who isn't home-schooling her daughter, she mused that she needed the deadlines that the school set to stay on track. I told her that the online school we used for the last two semesters wasn't for us right now. When she expressed regret, I told her it was okay; I'm coming to the realization that everyone is different and much of parenting or teaching in my case, is about figuring out what works. We sow seeds into the minds of children, and expect that the correct "plant" will grow out of it. When the seeds don't grow, hope is not lost! It could be the wrong seeds, the wrong soil, not enough water, the wrong season, or any number of factors. We change things and try again. If we are in tune with the needs of these little minds that we are responsible for, it will turn out okay in the end. On a personal note, the girls did enjoy their online schooling for the most part (two subjects for each, read about that HERE) it took too much time away from other things I want them to accomplish. I also feel that much of my angst during the school year is from when we take some alternate learning time, and then they get behind online. Anyway, I'm signing up again for nature pal exchange, and my little nephew will be learning about planting seeds--so nature studies are fully covered lol. To close, here is a picture of my squash taken tonight.

Lizzi

Tale of Tanger

I'm doing my best to blog more consistently. Even when I don't want to.
Today was long. So. Long. The main gist of it is that I spent the first part of the day at Tanger outlet wearing Buttercup, and watching Baby Girl and Mikey. At least there happened to be some festivities involving food trucks, sidewalk chalk, and free stuff there. Baby Girl ate chalk, and got it all over her face.

Several people told me what wonderful children I have. Buttercup fell asleep, I got food from the food trucks, and my sister even showed up (sheepishly happy) when it was time to go! After getting back to the house and leaving the teens to babysit the babies, we went grocery shopping --AT TWO DIFFERENT stores. I only went to the fabric store for some thread, and to get some gas for the car after that. A little talk with dad, an epic sandwich, another movie with the girls, half a baby dress finished for my shop, and my day is drawing to a close. 

I'm really really trying to appreciate the time I have with those I love. I want to look back on the negative things like traffic and babies arguing in the backseat as little blips on the amazing pages of my life. Sometimes it's difficult, and sometimes I just have to focus. 

Tomorrow I will be sleep deprived for Sunday school, but it is a privilege to serve God. It is a blessing to be around sweet young souls once a week. I hope your coming week is awesome. My birthday is under a week away! 

Mikey this morning after eating some "honey toast".

Friday intros

I believe there is this thing on instagram called "Follow Friday" or "Friday Introductions"; don't quote me though, because the last couple of years have found me much less cool and in-the-know online than I used to be. Anyway, I am going to tell you a little about me, and you (all two of you) can tell me something about you.

This is me. Except, now my hair is shorter.

I am co-parent of sorts, home-school teacher, and adopted sister to two girls M and A. I enjoy being an over-involved auntie to the two nieces and one nephew that live locally, and just wish my other two nieces were nearby also. I am enthusiastically involved in my church as a Sunday school teacher, events coordinator, choir member, and well, whatever-needs-doing doer (our church is small.) Reading, singing, and chocolate are some of my favorite things. I struggle often with being much like a mother without actually being one, and therefore not fitting in with either the mom groups or the typical single girl groups. At the beginning of the year I got my business license and am giving starting a business a real try. It's hard with all that keeps me busy these days, but not impossible! 

So, that's a little about me...And now it's technically Saturday lol. 

Visit me on Instagram and follow me there if you'd like! 

Busy Boy

My nephew Mikey is a very active almost-four-year-old.  I recently received my Nikon D3200 in the mail, and I have no idea really how to use it...But I took a few pictures. This little boy has taught me to embrace every moment. Here are a couple of the pictures I took today. 

Merciful heavens

I've come to realize that I'm often the last person I'm understanding with. 

Sometimes I fuss at my sisters (almost always regarding schoolwork), and I complain about people I have to work with in church or life in general; eventually though, I find a reason that I can go easy on them. I don't do that for myself...Or I rarely do. 

    There is a song by For King and Country that talks about God's mercy. It says, "Your mercy is relentless." Almost always, that song makes me tear up. I find it so hard to forgive myself for imperfections. It is almost unfathomable with my expectations for myself that I should be given mercy. I know better! I was careless! I shouldn't have...And yet God relentlessly seeks me out. 

He chases after me when I'm running to fix a mistake, "Elisabeth, don't forget mercy!" 

He whispers to me when I'm hiding my depression behind a book, "Have you read about my mercy?" 

As I pray for all the things in the world that need fixing, he replies: "Let's have a conversation about you, I need to remind you about mercy." 

So while you're going about your life and wading through the crazy, don't forget to give yourself a little mercy.